Waste and Recycling
At Parliament House and in the Parliamentary precincts, maintenance, engineering, landscape, computing and catering services generate a variety of waste types. Office-based activities result in mainly paper waste.
Performance
The key indicators used to monitor waste management at Parliament House are tonnes of paper recycled, tonnes of waste sent to landfill (not from the landscape) and tonnes of co-mingled waste recycled. Co-mingled waste includes glass, rigid plastics, metal cans, foil and cartons.
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Comment on performance:
The amount of general waste (excluding construction waste) sent to landfill in 2010–11 was 340 tonnes. This is a decrease of 12% compared to the 389 tonnes sent in 2009–10.
The quantity of paper recycled increased by 14% from 275 tonnes in 2009–10 to 315 tonnes in 2010–11.
Over 2010–11, 126 tonnes of co-mingled waste was collected and recycled, compared to 106 tonnes the previous year, an increase of 18% in recycling.
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Objectives and targets
DPS is currently preparing a new Environmental Strategic Plan to replace the 2008-11 Waste Strategic plan, which will formally set out objectives and targets on waste and recycling.
Key objectives will be to maximise recycling rates, provide additional facilities to recycle other types of waste and reduce waste generation.
Tips on reducing waste and improving recycling
If you are working in Parliament House, then please refer to the APH Waste Management Brochure for information on recycling services. Ways that building occupants can help manage waste are:
- Join the voluntary office co-mingled recycling scheme to encourage recycling in your office area (email DPS Environment mailbox for more information).
- Flatten cardboard, cartons and plastic bottles. The smaller the space waste takes up, the less storage area is needed and the lower the environmental impacts and cost of waste transport.
- If you have more material to recycle than usual (for example, if you are moving suite or if a function is being held in your work area), then contact your relevant office support services for additional recycling bins.
- Look for ways to reduce waste by choosing durable items and rethinking purchases. Seek to reuse containers, such as using your coffee mug instead of a disposable take-away cup.
If you are visiting Parliament House, then please use the recycling facilities and bins provided. You can also read the brochure to learn about waste management at Parliament House.