At UOW Pulse, sustainability is more than a goal — it’s a core value. We are proud to lead the way in implementing environmentally and socially responsible practices across our food, beverage, and retail outlets on campus.
Our dedicated Sustainability Team brings together members from key business units across Pulse to drive meaningful change. The team:
In partnership with the Environmental Protection Authority and UOW, we launched the Sustainable Plate initiative — the first of its kind in Wollongong. Reusable plates, bowls, and cutlery are now available at food outlets, with wash stations installed in Building 11 to reduce single-use plastics and landfill waste.
UOW Pulse was awarded Winner of the 2018 Green Gown Awards Australasia in the Campus Health, Food & Drink category. The Green Gown Awards is the first and only Award Scheme dedicated to recognising excellence in sustainability within the tertiary education sector in Australasia. The Campus Health, Food & Drink category recognises achievements beyond good practice in the delivery of campus food, drink and hospitality. It celebrates innovation, creativity and consideration for procurement, delivery, communication which has resulted in behaviour changes across staff, students and community.
UniBar has installed a Pulpmaster Waste to Energy System to pulp food waste and compostable food packaging. This system recycles organic solid and liquid food waste, eliminating approximately 2700kg of waste going into landfill each week! The food waste is macerated and turned into a pulp inside the machine before being pumped into a holding tank. The Pulpmaster can process up to 1,000 litres of organic waste in just 20 minutes. When the holding tank is nearing full it is collected and used to generate biogas for renewable energy generation.
The UniBar at the University of Wollongong is officially recognised as an ‘Ocean Friendly’ venue by the Surfrider Foundation Australia. The Ocean Friendly Program recognises businesses who are taking action on plastic pollution by implementing measures to reduce single-use plastic items at their source and demonstrating a commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts.
Mobile Phone Recycling
UOW has a mobile phone recycling program with Mobile Muster. Over 90% of a mobile phone can be recovered, and materials including plastics, gold, silver, copper and nickel can be recycled from them.
Collection points:
Print Cartridge Recycling
Print cartridges can be recycled at UOW via the Cartridges 4 Planet Ark program.
Find out about UOW Print Cartridge Recycling.
Collection points:
We’re proud of our progress but we’re just getting started. At UOW Pulse, we’re committed to building a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Remember to empty liquids, rinse out food, crush bulky items and remove lids.
Remember to remove binders and plastic wrappings, and flatten boxes.