Waste Paper Bins Are for Paper - Information on More Environmentally-Friendly Waste Separation

As of 1 July 2023 the waste paper bins in the offices of the University of Greifswald are to be used for waste paper only. Until now, a new plastic bag was placed in all of the bins in every office, every day. We would like to do without them. With the money we save, we will be able to pay for more environmentally-friendly cleaning products. So, as of now, please only use your bin to dispose of waste paper.

What does that mean?

The cleaning staff can now only empty waste paper baskets, which were previously also used for general waste, if there is nothing but paper in them. That is why it is up to all of us! In future, please dispose of other waste only in the designated separate bins, e.g. in the corridors or kitchen facilities.

What is meant by other waste?

This means, for example, food leftovers, plastic packaging, tea bags, etc.
We ask you all for your help! Less plastic is good for the environment and leads to more sustainability, which we are committed to as a university. Be part of it!

Interesting facts

We will save approximately 96,000 plastic waste bags annually! Each plastic bag is 72 cm in length. When unrolled and laid end to end, that's 70 kilometres of plastic bags. This line of plastic would extend from Greifswald’s town boundary to the outskirts of Rostock.

Why are there still bins with plastic bags?

There are still plastic bags in the bins in lecture halls, laboratories, seminar and practical rooms. It would not be good to leave these unemptied. If possible, please separate your rubbish in the separate waste bins in the corridors.