Ways to reduce your waste

Thank you for using the Recycling Hub! But why stop there? Learn ways to reduce or reuse your waste in the first instance to make the biggest impact.

Recycling isn’t the magic solution; it still requires energy, resources, and infrastructure, and not all materials can be recycled efficiently. Reducing waste means making smarter choices to prevent waste generation in the first place, such as opting for reusable products and buying only what you need. Reusing items whenever possible helps extend their life and reduces the demand for new resources. For each waste stream, we have provided top tips to help you reduce or reuse your waste to minimise the need for future recycling.

| Writing instruments |

Batteries

✔ Switch to rechargeable batteries that can be reused to reduce waste and save money over time.
✔ Extend battery life by storing batteries in a cool, dry place and removing them from devices when not in use to prevent leakage and prolong their lifespan.
✔ Buy only what you need to avoid stockpiling batteries, ensuring they don't expire before use and reducing unnecessary waste.

Empty blister packs

✔ Choose bulk or refillable options by opting for medications and supplements in bulk packaging, glass jars, or refillable dispensers to reduce blister pack waste.
✔ Ask your pharmacist for alternatives such as bottles instead of blister packs, especially for regularly used medications.
✔ Store properly by following storage instructions to avoid deterioration and unnecessary disposal.
✔ Buy only what you need to prevent expired medications and reduce packaging waste.

Oral care

✔ Choose reusable options by switching to bamboo toothbrushes, refillable toothpaste tablets, and reusable floss holders or water flossers to minimise single-use plastic waste.
✔ Opt for minimal packaging by selecting products with recyclable or compostable packaging, such as toothpaste in metal tubes or cardboard boxes.
✔ Use every bit by cutting open toothpaste tubes to get all the product and extending the lifespan of floss by using only the necessary length.
✔ Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste and minimise the need for frequent purchases.

Empty skincare packaging

✔ Choose reusable options by by switching to refillable skincare products, glass jars, or aluminum bottles to minimise single-use plastic waste. Some brands offer refill stations or mail-back programs for empty containers.
✔ Opt for minimal packaging by selecting products with recyclable or compostable packaging. Solid cleansers, bars, and concentrated formulas also help reduce unnecessary packaging.
✔ Use every bit by cutting open tubes, removing pumps, and storing bottles upside down to get every last drop before disposal.
✔ Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste and minimise the need for frequent purchases.
✔ Repurpose containers by cleaning and reusing jars for DIY skincare, travel-size products, or storage for small household items like spices or jewellery.

Small e-waste

✔ Repair before replacing by fixing small electronics instead of discarding them at the first sign of malfunction to extend their lifespan.
✔ Choose durable products by investing in high-quality electronics with longer lifespans and better repairability to minimize frequent disposal.
✔ Buy second-hand or refurbished devices to give electronics a second life and reduce the demand for new production.
✔ Donate personable usable items to organisations or community programs if your small electronics are still functional but no longer needed, instead of discarding them. (University owned devices must be returned through internal ICT pathways).

Toner and ink cartridges

✔Opt for refillable cartridges by choosing refillable or remanufactured ink and toner cartridges to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
✔ Use printer ink efficiently by printing in draft mode when possible, using grayscale instead of color, and only printing when necessary to conserve ink and toner.
✔ Purchase high-yield or high-capacity cartridges that last longer and reduce the frequency of replacements.
✔ Store cartridges properly by keeping them in a cool, dry place and using them regularly to prevent drying out and unnecessary waste.
✔ Go digital when possible by switching to digital alternatives for notes, assignments, and communications to reduce printing needs.

Writing instruments

✔ Choose refillable options by opting for refillable pens, mechanical pencils, and white-out dispensers instead of disposable alternatives.
✔ Buy quality over quantity by investing in high-quality writing tools that last longer and perform better.
✔ Share and donate extra or unused stationery to community initiatives or swap with classmates instead of letting them go to waste.
✔ Track your usage by being mindful of how often you buy new items and only purchasing when truly needed.