Recycle Management

1. Introduction

The Turitea campus of Massey University is located at Palmerston North, New Zealand (latitude 40 °S) and occupies a 97 ha main campus site, incorporating extensive gardens, in a semi-rural environment. It is surrounded by approximately 685 ha of farmland, including three university dairy farms and a purpose built large animal handling facility. The on-site university community presently includes approximately 1800 staff and 9000 internal students, plus extramural (distance) and block course students attending on-campus courses from time to time.

In 1999 a Massey University School for the Environment Zero Waste program was initiated, with the aim of promoting an ongoing commitment to demonstrably sound environmental management in the areas of both physical and energy resources. This was in accordance with both the university's environmental policy and a written commitment to environmental responsibility in tertiary education ([Springett, 1995 and Massey University, 1997. Massey University. Environmental Policy. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 1997.Massey University, 1997]). More specifically, the zero waste concept involved working toward the elimination of residuals disposal to landfill and encouraging the re-use of materials in an environmentally sustainable manner ( [Zero Waste NZ Trust, 1999]). Therefore, one of the initial foci of the overall program was on the source separation and quantification of solid residuals arising from the student cafeteria and concourse areas on the campus. In addition, the availability of green (yard) waste for composting purposes was of interest.

Separation of residuals is an important component of modern recycling systems and may be carried out either at source, or post-collection on co-mingled residuals. In the latter case, a variety of technological and/or manual methods may be employed ([Tchobanoglous et al., 1993]). Optimal source separation, however, will minimise energy and labour inputs to any downstream sorting processes, reduce health hazards associated with the sorting of mixed refuse, lower recycling costs and provide opportunities for innovation ( [Murray, 1999]). It was proposed as a desirable element for our on-campus zero waste strategy, so as to facilitate the recycling of food residuals using an on-site composting process and of plastics and paper via recycling contractors. A high level of residuals separation at source would also promote improved final compost product quality ( [USEPA, 1994]). Overall solid waste generation on the campus was estimated at approximately 850 tonne per annum during 1999. Whilst a paper recycling scheme was introduced in 1995, it had operated with only limited success since that time. Paper and cardboard generation on the campus was estimated at 426 tonne/year and general refuse at 427 tonne/year.

The primary objectives of the present work were to assess the quantities and production patterns of solid residuals in the kitchen/cafeteria and concourse areas, to assess the effectiveness of source separation practise and to investigate the potential for resource residuals re-use and re-cycling both on and off campus.

2. Materials and methods

2.1. Location

The study took place within the main student cafeteria dining area, the associated kitchen facility, the student association shop, a small student cafe and on the adjacent concourse area located between the ...