UC WASTE PLAN - University of Canterbury
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UC WASTE PLAN 2019-2024 Managing and Minimising the University of Canterbury’s Waste
Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 2
Requirement for a Waste Plan............................................................................................. 3
Statutory Framework ........................................................................................................... 3
Changes in the Waste Industry ............................................................................................ 4
UC Waste Profile .................................................................................................................. 5
Comingle and Landfill .......................................................................................................... 5
Contamination ..................................................................................................................... 5
Profile ................................................................................................................................... 6
Progress Since 2014 ............................................................................................................. 7
Opportunities ..................................................................................................................... 11
Funding .............................................................................................................................. 13
1Executive Summary
This revised Waste Plan replaces the earlier UC Waste Plan, 2014-2022.
It places UC’s waste management and minimisation efforts within a wider waste context, and references the statutory frameworks around waste
management in New Zealand.
After reviewing progress in waste management and minimisation since 2014, a series of actions is proposed to take this process forwards. These actions are
Subject Proposed Actions
Co-mingled recycling Continue with waste sorts, but aim to improve diversion from landfill
Organics Reduce contamination of landfill by organics
Compostable packaging Proceed with off-site sorting and composting
Continue collecting materials separately
All single use packaging Reduce single use packaging on campus
Grounds waste Ensure this continues to be composted off-site and not landfilled
Waste education Explore options for high profile waste information space
Reactivate Eco Office Programme with emphasis on waste
Continue with waste events for and with students
Coordination Limited coordination of waste efforts underway in 2019 to be re-examined in 2020.
UC wide waste audit Establish method for undertaking this audit in either 2019 or 2020.
Introduction
The original UC Waste Plan was developed 5 years ago, in 2014. Since then, a number of changes have occurred that have a direct bearing on the plan,
necessitating some alterations. The possible need for recalibrations of the plan was in fact flagged in the original plan, so this revision is timely. Some of the
changes that have occurred include:
The development of the Campus Master Plan and the Landscape Master Plan
The adoption of the UC Sustainability Framework
2 A change of government, which is paying much closer attention to New Zealand’s waste issues
Changes in the waste industry
Changes in UC’s waste profile, and a more robust understanding of this profile.
At the same time, good progress has been made against the original Waste Plan, and this is reviewed in the present document.
This Plan has been produced by the UC Sustainability Office.
Requirement for a Waste Plan
In 2013, the Executive Director of Learning Resources tasked the Sustainability
Office with developing a whole of campus approach to waste issues.
In 2018, Senior Management Team and UC Council adopted the UC
Sustainability Framework. This Framework states that UC will:
Commit to meeting minimum environmental standards, and build on
current efforts to reduce consumption, particularly of non-renewable
resources, and increase reuse and recycling.
Identify and assess sustainable and environmentally friendly resources
as part of the procurement process where feasible. The use of such
resources will be subject to University financial restraints.
Operate within affordable and achievable prudent financial limits,
minimising waste, and emphasising efficiency and effectiveness.
This Plan takes these requirements into account. The place of this Waste Plan
in the overall UC Sustainability Framework is shown in Figure 1.
Statutory Framework Figure 1: UC Sustainability Planning Framework
The New Zealand Government released its The New Zealand Waste Strategy:
Reducing harm, improving efficiency in 2010. The New Zealand Waste Strategy has two goals.
These are to:
3 reduce the harmful effects of waste
improve the efficiency of resource use.
The strategy’s two goals provide direction to central and local government, businesses (including the waste industry) and communities on where to focus
their efforts to manage waste.
The New Zealand Waste Strategy is part of the legislative framework around reducing the negative impacts of waste. This framework includes the Waste
Minimisation Act (2008), Local Government Act (2002), Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (1996), Climate Change Response Act (2002) and the
Resource Management Act (1991).1 Among other things, the Waste Minimisation Act established a levy on landfills. Half of this is allocated to councils
based on populations, and the other half is used for the Waste Minimisation Fund. The Act also required local authorities to develop Waste Management
and Minimisation Plans.
The Vision of the Christchurch City Council’s statutory Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2013 is “A prosperous city, in a clean, healthy and
sustainable environment, where each person, business and organisation takes responsibility for waste minimisation and actively works toward zero waste
to landfill”.2
The Healthy Environment Community Outcome contained in CCC strategic Framework includes ‘Sustainable use of Resources’ which includes that “each
person and organisation works towards zero waste”. The activity also supports the Council’s Strategic Direction of “A Sustainable 21st Century city” by
maximising the recovery and reuse of resources from the waste stream.3
An opportunity for the University of Canterbury is to more effectively work with the Christchurch City Council on shared goals around waste minimisation,
and potentially to seek funding through the Waste Minimisation Fund administered by the Ministry for the Environment.
Changes in the Waste Industry
The principle changes in the waste industry since the original Waste Plan was written may be summarised as:
China’s ban on importing low-grade plastic waste. This has affected supply chains around the world.
The New Zealand Government’s ban of single use plastic bags, thought to be an initial step against single use plastic packaging.
1
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/wastestrategy.pdf, p.4
2
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/draft2018/service-plans/Long-Term-Plan-2018-28-draft-
Service-Plan-Solid-Waste2.pdf, p.4
3
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/draft2018/service-plans/Long-Term-Plan-2018-28-draft-
Service-Plan-Solid-Waste2.pdf, p.5
4 Review of the New Zealand Waste Strategy is underway by the Ministry for the Environment.
An increase in the waste levy, which will affect landfill charges.
Increased consumer demand for compostable packaging and the need for an industry solution to the problems this presents.
Relying on landfill as an easy solution to waste is less practical in 2019 than it was in 2014. At the same time, solutions that are both easy and sustainable
have not yet been developed. This means organisations are faced with either being branded laggards or consciously being at the leading (sometimes
referred to as the bleeding) edge in this area.
UC Waste Profile
Comingle and Landfill
A comparison of the last two years of UC’s waste profile (June-May), shows some positive progress. In those two years, co-mingled recycling has increased
by 22.8%, while landfill has decreased by 16.4% (Figure 2). While our data for co-mingled recycling is poor prior to 2017 due to an inaccurate proxy weight
per bin being utilised, landfill data is more robust. This shows a 13% reduction in landfill since 2014.
June 2017 -May 2018 June 2018 - May 2019
CO-MINGLE TYPES OF WASTE IN BINS,
12.036 tonnes 14.784 tonnes 2014 AND 2017, BY %
LANDFILL
433.405 tonnes 362.28 tonnes Organics Landfill Paper Comingle
Figure 2: Co-mingle and Landfill tonnages, 2018 and 2019
Contamination 5.4
3.9 10.4
2.3
Contamination rates in our bins have generally improved, as evidenced by the 2017 Waste Audit. The 60.1 46.9
audit established that despite good progress, just over 30% of our landfill is still composed of organics 87.0 55.9
(compared to 43.8% in 2014) (Figure 3). 9.4
16.4 43.8
1.2 31.5
14.1 6.6
5.1
COMINGLE COMINGLE LANDFILL BIN LANDFILL BIN
BIN 2014 % BIN 2017 % 2014 % 2017 %
Figure 3: Types of Waste in Bins, 2014 and 2017
5Profile polystyrene,
The mix of wastes in the UC waste profile is fairly complex. The waste profile 0.431, 0% UC Waste Profile 2018, by Tonne
for the 2018 calendar year is shown in Figure 4. metals, ewaste, 31.88, 2%
27.30, 2% dry waste, 0,batteries,
0% 0, 0% bulbs/tubes, 0, 0%
Coal ash, landfill and greenwaste (from the Grounds department), hardfill, 11.84, 1%
constitute 78% of UC’s waste by tonne.
Of these, landfill presents the best opportunity for change. Waste audits
indicate that only 55.9% of what is landfilled at UC could not otherwise be
Landfill, 319.405,
recycled or composted. Therefore, through education and simplifying 23%
systems (including potentially banning the use of some items on campus), it
is believed that landfill could be reduced by half. Comingle, 12.384,
coal ash, 474.17, 1%
Ash from space heating will likely reduce massively once the coal boilers are 34%
Paper, 71.196, 5%
shifted to biomass boilers, and this depends on a business case being Doc.Destruction,
approved (in process). 4.403, 0%
Organics,
Greenwaste from the Grounds department has increased significantly over 23.975, 2%
the last several years due to operational restrictions. However, it is at least Cardboard,
being composted off-site. 50.11, 4%
Skips to LF, 85.615,
6%
greenwaste,
298.04, 21%
Figure 4: UC Waste Profile 2018, by tonne
6Progress Since 2014
Short term (2014-15) Medium term (2015-18) Long term (2018-2022) PROGRESS (2019)
Landfill Work on reducing Contamination of landfill
contamination of reduced by 9%.
landfill by recycling and
organics. No targets set, however a
Set target of 10% Enact target of 10% Revisit target and 13% reduction in landfill
reduction in landfill reduction in landfill revise as appropriate since 2014 has been
across UC. across UC achieved.
Co-mingled Work on reducing Contamination of recycling
Recycling contamination of has been reduced by 23.4%
recycling by landfill and since 2014.
organics. Enact target of 10% Revisit target and No target has been set,
Set target of 10% reduction in recycling revise as appropriate however a 70.8% reduction
reduction in co-mingled across UC. Investigate in recycling has been
recycling across UC (by washable/reusable achieved since 2014.
increasing compostable plates, cups and cutlery Work still outstanding on
stream) system. introducing reusable items.
Coal Ash Develop EOI for a Zero Develop Zero Carbon Develop waste plan Low Carbon Energy Scheme
Carbon strategy. Strategy, and consider associated with introduced and work on
Investigate beneficial waste stream associated alternative heat phasing out coal has begun.
options for coal ash provision (potential Ash from wood will be
disposal composting). around 5% by volume of coal
ash.
7Takeaway Trial composting of Composting by external
coffee cups current cups at Selwyn providers was suspended but
DC. is restarting in 2019.
Trial ‘cups’ bins in key Establish more bins for Trial bins for More bins for collecting
locations on campus. cups around campus and compostable cups, compostables have been
start moving to plates and other introduced and service
compostable cups. compostable café extended to plates, bowls
consumables. etc.
Single Use Continue promoting Promotions continuing for
Packaging discounts for people bringing own cups etc.
bringing own cups.
Grounds Continue chipping No change Explore business case Grounds composting has
waste waste and sending to for on-site composting been suspended due to loss
be composted off site of this material, with of Grounds yard.
other compostables
gathered as
practicable.
Organics Interventions in Target ofPackaging Work with Eliminate polystyrene Explore business case Most polystyrene comes with
procurement to use by café vendors and for on-site composting IT equipment, and new
identify options to materials suppliers (eg IT of packaging materials, supply arrangement requires
reduce non-recyclable equipment) as much as with other supplier to take packaging
or non-compostable possible. compostables gathered back. Monitoring this to see
packaging (esp as practicable. how system is working.
polystyrene), and
increase compostable
packaging use.
Signage Maintain existing Establish a visible ‘waste Duplicate this in other Existing signage maintained
signage station’ in a central part busy parts of campus. and has been updated as
of campus – with Signage will need to be required.
additional signage and redeveloped to match
information. Decision innovations Sustainability Office is
made about which responsible for maintaining
department is stickers and posters.
responsible for No high visibility waste
maintaining stickers and station has been established.
posters, and which
budget reprints will
come from.
Events Focus on waste during Large scale waste event A waste free event as Waste free events have been
Eco Week 2014. held, potentially as part part of O Week, in run by the Sustainability
of Eco Week 2016 (eg collaboration with Office, and student clubs,
Eco Runway). Could be in UCSA, becomes an regularly since 2014.
collaboration with established part of
Envirowaste. Support for business as usual.
staff and students Waste free events are
wanting to run waste run by student clubs
free events is offered
9and supported by the and staff as business as
Sustainability Office. usual.
Public Public information Reporting back to the UC This is achieved through the
information maintained. community on its waste annual UC Sustainability
performance on waste Reports
station and through
formal UC channels.
Audits Waste audit completed Audits in Undercroft and University-wide waste Waste audits of UCSA kitchen
in 2014 UCSA kitchens routinely audit undertaken in and selected locations
undertaken annually 2018 around UC undertaken in
with support from 2017. No UC-wide audit has
Envirowaste been undertaken since
2010/11.
Coordination Limited coordination of Limited coordination of Employ part-time Part time coordinator has not
waste reduction efforts waste reduction efforts coordinator. been employed.
by Sustainability Office, by Sustainability Office,
with Cleaning Services with Cleaning Services
Staff Recommence drive to Limited opportunities for
education educate staff (office staff education. In 2019, the
and cleaning) about Eco Office Programme is
how to dispose of being revived, which will
office waste. provide an opportunity.
Policy Give effect to the Sustainability element of
sustainability component Procurement Policy enacted,
of the Procurement and new Procurement
Policy Strategy embodies
sustainability principles.
10Guidelines Draft guidelines for Work with vendors to Foreshadow a ban on Guidelines for vendors are
for non UC sustainable packaging find alternatives to particular forms of included in the Procurement
vendors on at UC for non UC particular forms of packaging, such as Strategy.
campus vendors packaging (eg polystyrene.
polystyrene)
IT Recycling Identify key Service improvement. Revisit policies and To be updated.
Service and stakeholders. Second Identify and mitigate practices on all disposal
Asset phase of IT Asset risks around electronic paths and procurement
Management Management equipment and of electronic and IT
completed procurement. Asset tag equipment. Centralise
all IT computers and linkIT Lifecycle
asset data with recyclingManagement and
database. Reporting.
Redistributio Trial re-usable bins in Develop a robust back- Re-examine policy No policy for this developed.
n of items buildings being end system for decision on gifting (or Items from College of
surplus to decanted. redistributing reusable sale) of items deemed Education were redeployed
requirements items. surplus to on Free Tables. Otherwise no
requirements. action was taken.
Monitoring Continue monitoring Review the Waste Plan in Review Plan in 2020 Waste Plan reviewed in 2016
and Review using Mastagard stats 2016 and 2018 to assess and 2022 to recalibrate and 2019. Audit conducted in
and ad hoc inspections progress and recalibrate and set new targets as 2017. Waste Plan revised in
of bins. as necessary. Conduct appropriate. Conduct 2019.
audit in 2016 and 2018. audit in 2020 and 2022.
Opportunities
With a great deal of progress already achieved, a number of opportunities for further improvements present themselves.
To date, UC’s approach to waste management has been primarily reactive: waste is generated and UC figures out how to deal with it. With all of the
changes taking place in the waste industry, this approach is no longer considered feasible.
11The new approach to waste management (or materials use) is proactive and strategic. This follows the Government’s model of removing certain kinds of
waste from the system (i.e. plastic bags). UC will follow the following hierarchy of actions to address the problem of waste:
1 The focus has to be on reducing inputs up-stream:
- working with café vendors to reduce single use packaging
- potentially banning single use packaging in future café contracts
- assisting cafes where possible to make this switch, for example by
- providing new staff and students with reusable cups
- providing dishwashing facilities
- providing ‘cup libraries’
- providing education and promotions
- the same approach applies to other materials in the waste stream, eg polystyrene used in ITC equipment
2 Continue education and engagement efforts.
3 Where single-use packaging remains necessary, the most sustainable options should be used.
With waste companies rejecting PLA-lined packaging in both their recycling and composting streams, the only responsible approach here is to insist
on approved compostable packaging, and pursue methods of appropriately dealing with it. In the immediate term, UC will work with the UCSA to
collect these, sort and dispose of appropriately. PLA-lined packaging should be phased out in favour of crockery or durable service-ware options.
4 Continue current system for dealing with comingled recycling
Subject Proposed Actions Delivery method
Co-mingled recycling Continue with waste sorts, but aim to improve diversion from To be discussed with Cleaning Services
landfill
Organics Reduce contamination of landfill by organics Events run by Sustainability Office
Compostable packaging Pursue off-site sorting and composting Through quarterly meetings with Envirowaste
Continue collecting materials separately By Cleaning Services
12All single use packaging Reduce single use packaging on campus Continue to encourage use of crockery (in café and
people bringing their own). Sustainability office with
café providers.
Grounds waste Ensure this continues to be composted off-site and not landfilled Though Facilities Services
Waste education Explore options for high profile waste information space Through Facilities Services
Reactivate Eco Office Programme with emphasis on waste By Sustainability Engagement Coordinator
Continue with waste events for and with students By Sustainability Engagement Coordinator
Coordination Limited coordination of waste efforts underway in 2019 to be re- By Property Services Manager and Sustainability
examined in 2020. Advisor
UC wide waste audit Establish method for undertaking this audit in either 2019 or Through Facilities Services
2020.
Funding
During 2018, a number of options for waste reduction and improved diversion
from landfill were explored by the UC Sustainability Office and Cleaning
Services, and by the UCSA. None of the options explored were considered
feasible, due to constraints of funding, health and safety requirements and/or
space. Solutions explored included hand-sorting compostable waste in-house,
or contracted out, and purchasing an in-vessel composting machine. The on-
going cost of labour was a significant obstacle in all of these options.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting some of the potential sources of external
funding which may support such initiatives in the future. These include:
The Waste Minimisation Fund (Ministry for the Environment).
Innovation and Sustainability Fund (Christchurch City Council)
Waste Minimisation in Canterbury Fund (Canterbury Waste Joint
Committee)
Some support has been offered by Envirowaste
Court Jesters appear as the UC Rubbish Cops early in 2018 13You can also read
