Diversion Day is a new event which encourages recycling waste and environmental literacy.
Skip Days are out and Diversion Days are in. This is the new focus for a greener way of student life.
Once upon a time, Skip Days were a monthly event which would see skip bins placed around the student district for general waste disposal.
However this has led to dumping of recyclables and attracting non-student visitors looking for an easy way of disposing work materials over the years.
Diversion Day is a new event which encourages recycling waste and environmental literacy. The bins will be located at Clyde and Marsh Street where students can let go of excess rubbish responsibly.
OUSA Student President Michaela Waite-Harvey, says Diversion Days are a change that is needed.
“As we look to the future the reality is Skip Days are not sustainable. It has a negative impact on the environment but also fosters a culture of thoughtlessness, lack of accountability and general apathy towards sustainable practices.”
“Diversion Days were collaboratively developed as an alternative to change this. Improving sustainable practices among students is a priority for OUSA and changing skip days to Diversion Days is a big part of that. Collectively, we're pushing for better for the environment from our students."
Last month was the most recent Diversion Day where large numbers of students turned up to dispose of glass, cans, cardboard and general waste.
OUSA Administrative Vice President Emily Coyle says she believes that Diversion Day is also fostering a healthier approach to waste minimisation.
"Although it's not ideal how much excess rubbish and waste students produce it's great to see the University making changes. Diversion Days are a step to change the culture and minimise impacts on our environment, and really our future."
Last month was the most recent Diversion Day where large numbers of students turned up to dispose of glass, cans, cardboard and general waste. The event was a success and the next one is currently being organised for 28 May.
Students are encouraged to come along with their rubbish types already separated and with their student ID's ready to go.
In between Diversion Day students can present their student ID at the Transfer Station near the stadium to dispose of excess rubbish for free. Students are also encouraged to keep using their own recycling bins throughout the year for daily recycling needs.
Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser, Chelsea McRae