RSU Encourages Use of New Recycling Bins

Recycling waste is an important part of what we can do for a greener future. Environmentally friendly policies are included in Rīga Stradiņš University’s (RSU) development strategy and the University has positioned itself as a green university. RSU has been recycling waste since 2013 and at the beginning of last year, RSU introduced a trial run for Longopac, a new and innovative waste recycling system. Currently, a total of 109 recycling bins using this system are available at almost all RSU locations. Paper, cardboard, plastic, and household waste can be sorted separately. There are plans to distribute more such bins in the future in order to increase recycling at the University.

We encourage our employees and students to use the new recycling system and encourage them not to use office bins where waste isn’t recycled. Employees and students should also not use disposable plastic cups, but rather use their own mugs and bottles, and not buy bottled water, but use the filtered water coolers available throughout the University.

Recycled waste is collected separately in designated containers and there is no charge for disposal (the University is only charged for disposing of household waste). Paper is collected separately and handed over to the Līgatne paper mill. During the past year, almost seven tonnes of paper have been recycled.

Benefits of the Longopac recycling system

• Increased knowledge about environmental topics among staff and students;
• Environmentally friendly policy – the amount of recycled waste increases. The proportion of reusable household waste is reduced by around 75% and the amount of waste that can be recycled increases by 30%;
• Increased savings – reducing household waste also reduces the cost of its disposal;
• Savings in time, bags, and costs for cleaners. It takes approximately 2.5 hours per day to collect and empty bins and change garbage bags for 400 workstations;
• Employees’ and students’ health. Regularly taking waste to communal areas in order to recycle it reduces the negative health impacts of a sedentary lifestyle.

Thank you to our colleagues from the Human Resources Department, the Finance Department, and the Infrastructure Department for testing and recommending the new recycling system!