0 Waste

1. Introduction

Zer0Waste is the recycle component of SAVE’s environment initiative in National University of Singapore (NUS). As the name suggests, we aim for zer0 wastage of resources, focusing more on common everyday items. Thus far, together with Office of Environment and Sustainability of NUS, we have progressed substantially – from the setting up of recycling bins on campus, to the establishment of ‘Spoke and Hub’, innovative recycling, and now moving on to establish a recycling culture in Singapore.

We now look forward to various objectives:

• Hostel recycling as a training platform for students to recycle in their future households.
• Collaboration with grass root organizations in Singapore to improve recycling practices and culture.
• Innovate recycling for the benefit of society.

Explore on the various tabs to learn more about Zer0Waste and recycling in NUS.

We look forward to sharing this enthusiasm together with you!

‘Recycle. Think, before you throw!’

2. Recycling Bins in NUS

General (Paper/Cans/Bottles):

You can find a list of recycling bin locations here:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oes/prog/waste/ppac_location.html

I hope it’s a good reference. However, the blanket guideline below might help:

Recycling points are located:

• Close to beverage vending machines.
• Next to some general waste receptacles.
• Common areas such as canteens and bazaar grounds.

In any case, feel free to suggest places we might had missed!

Printer Cartridges:

Seen this before? Quite sure you’ve chanced on it. This receptacle is specially placed at strategic locations for you to recycle your depleted printer cartridge.

Most offices in NUS use laserjet toners. If you are currently accumulating used toners or thinking of recycling them, you might want to visit this page for information on logistic arrangements for collection:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oes/prog/waste/printer_cartridges.html

Other recyclables:

For more information, you might want to visit this webpage:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/oes/prog/waste/ppac_intro.html

Recycling Posters:

In the recent days, people may have noticed that in certain recycle bins like in the Central Forum had an additional feature. As shown in the photo above we had installed individual posters above the bins so that people understand the necessity of recycling within NUS.The bins are placed in the corner of the central forum and we found during the Bazaars they are displaced from their original position. This poses out to be a serious problem for the public and the housekeepers.

Recycling posters at Central Forum

Recycling points poster at YIH ATM corner

So we designed these posters to act as a guidance for the public to throw their waste in the respective bins. Since the instructions in these posters are very clear cut and they are easily differentiated with color which helps the housekeepers to put back in their original place. The another advantage of using the fourth generation recycle bins was that they had opening at the top which displays what type of waste should be thrown in that respective bin. (Example: The yellow color bin is for only empty cans and this is displayed in the top of the lid.)

Recycling Bins at Science Canteen

Recycling bins near tray return point

Recycling bins at Level 3

Two set of recycle bins were installed in Science Canteen, Frontier as per the request by the staff and students of NUS. The first one is at Level 3, near the entrance as shown below. The second one is located near the tray return point. The main reason for installing it near the tray return point was to make the users throw plastic cans and paper while returning their tray. This also helps to reduce the workload of the canteen operator for segregating the waste.

Three more set of recycle bins are proposed to be installed in the canteen and the location of these was discussed with the canteen operator. This was made possible only by the involvement of student community, so we are glad that we are receiving more requests and promise to install them as quickly as possible.

3. Projects on Semester 2 AY 2010/11

Charitable Recycling

Charitable Recycling is our latest innovative idea to encourage the NUS community to recycle. As the name itself suggests, it is recycling with a charity twist. Cool?

We run this program under 2 separate occasions:

Charitable Recycling is a collaboration between NUSSU SAVE Zer0Waste and South West Community Development Council (SWCDC). The idea was mooted to take add more ‘flavor’ to the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – that is, charity. With this, the community practices both conservation of natural resources and helping the needy, with just 1 simple act – recycling.

This initiative was started in 2009, which saw many in the NUS community coming forward to donate their recyclables. Encouraged by the response, this project has continued in 2010, gathering a total of 186kg and 167kg of recyclables in January and December respectively.The funds from selling the recyclables will go to the needy students in the South West Constituency.

This project is divided into into two components:
1. PGPR Charitable Recycling
2. Campus-wide Charitable Recycling 

Poster Design used for PGPR Recycling

Poster Design for Campus-Wide Recycling

PGPR Charitable Recycling

Collection of unwanted clothes from the Prince George Park’s Residences (PGPR) residents was done from 27th Nov to 10th Dec 2010. Goods were collected by a vendor appointed by South West Community Development Council (SWCDC)who sold them to contractors and were shipped to third world countries. Funds raised will be directed to 600 needy students from ITE College West.

We have collected a total of 167 kg of clothes and we thank the residents of PGPR for making this project a success.

Campus-wide Charitable Recycling

The collection of unwanted clothes and electronic waste from NUS students and staff was conducted from 24th Jan to 26th Jan. Currently there are no recycling points on campus for electronic waste and clothes, hence this provides an avenue for the students and staff to recycle these two categories of recyclables.

Goods collected will be consolidated and collected by Yok Impex and Tes-Amm, which are vendors appointed by South West Community Development Council (SWCDC). Funds raised will be directed to 900 needy students from ITE College West and 75 trainees from MINDS Clementi.

We would like to thank all of you to make your contribution and help us in our goal to help out the needy as well as making our environment a better place to live in.

Yew Tee Recycling

Updates coming soon!

4. Past Projects:

5. Current Sub-Committee members:

6. Contact us!

http://blog.nus.edu.sg/zerowaste/