New bins make recycling a breeze

ANUgreen has launched a new recycling program on campus for everything from printer toner cartridges to mobile phones and batteries. There will be e-waste recycling bins in all University libraries and several other buildings around campus for a three-month trial period. Among the things that can be recycled are a wide variety of batteries, mobile phones and other small electrical devices. ANUgreen's Barry Hughes says all ANU staff are responsible for disposing of batteries responsibly to avoid environmental contamination. "ANU currently records recycling rates of around two tonnes per annum of these products, which is terrific, but we use an estimated 10 tonnes per annum on campus," he said. "Rechargeable batteries are environmentally friendly compared with single-use batteries, but if they are not recycled and end up in landfill, they can leak heavy metals into the soil and waterways."