Method Recycling: Tackling Campus Waste, A Strategic Approach for Universities
Universities play a vital role in shaping future behaviours and leading practical climate action. Yet when it comes to waste, many campuses struggle with the scale and complexity of the challenge. High volumes of transient users, multiple vendors, inconsistent systems, and a wide range of events make waste management feel like a moving target.
Common barriers to effective diversion include student disengagement, unclear signage, inconsistent packaging, and limited time or storage options for students on the go. Even the most well-intentioned students may contaminate streams due to “wish-cycling”, where items are placed in the recycling bin in the hope they’ll be sorted later. Once contamination passes a certain threshold, entire loads are sent to landfill.
Effective strategies start with understanding the problem. Waste audits help identify key waste types and hotspots. With this data, institutions can tailor infrastructure and education to suit their needs. For example, food courts and libraries may require different bin types, signage, and placement.
Standardising waste stations is one of the most impactful steps. A consistent, colour-coded system with clear, visual signage reduces confusion and improves accuracy. Aligning signage with on-campus packaging is especially important and best achieved by engaging vendors early.
Engaging students is also critical. Orientation week, peer-led campaigns, and signage at disposal points are some of the most effective tools. Reusable programs, incentives, and infrastructure like water refill stations or container return schemes can reduce overall waste and encourage better habits.
The University of Otago reduced its landfill waste by 43 percent through a system-wide approach supported by Method bins and the Method team. This included removing desk bins, regular audits, and empowering staff and students with clearer systems. The result came from both infrastructure improvements and behaviour change. Neither works in isolation.
The benefits go beyond environmental impact. Landfill levies are increasing, and contamination fines are becoming more common. Reducing waste can lead to measurable operational savings. It also strengthens a university’s sustainability credentials. Recent data shows that 77 percent of prospective students consider sustainability when choosing where to study.
While waste is just one part of campus sustainability, it is a visible and manageable one. A well-designed system helps facilities teams work more efficiently, empowers students, and signals institutional leadership.
For a deeper look at the strategies and case studies behind these results, download the full white paper here
Or, to discuss how these ideas could work on your campus, book a time with the Method team: Book a time to chat.
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