75% Increase in Recycling Waste Levels at ATU Campuses

The canteens on the Sligo and Donegal (Letterkenny) campuses have made significant changes by ‘greening’ their facilities.

They have committed to eliminating single-use items in the Sligo and Letterkenny canteens and to significantly increase waste recycling levels.

As a result of implementing the initiative, the Sligo campus canteen has reduced general waste by 50%, increased recyclable waste levels to 75% (hitting 2030 targets), and eliminated 200,000 single-use items.

The move is part of ATU’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint. The elimination of paper cups and replacement by 2GoCups, the introduction of alternative options for all users and the removal of all bins from the Food Court have been key components of the change journey.

ATU are also encouraging students and staff to take individual actions to reduce their plastic usage by bringing their own reusable coffee cups and water bottles to work. Ceramic mugs are also available on both campuses as an alternative.

Michael O’Hehir of O’Hehir’s Bakery, who operates the canteen facilities on both Sligo and Letterkenny campuses, said he is delighted to lead this as part of a business wide ‘Green mission’.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said that eliminating single-use plastics is a significant step toward creating a more sustainable future for the broader community.

We have a responsibility to protect the environment for future generations, and this includes reducing our waste across all our campuses. The university’s commitment to sustainability has already received positive feedback from students, staff, and the wider community, and we should be proud that we are part of the growing movement towards a more sustainable future. Our next step will be supporting all our campuses to build on these good practices.”

Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President

The implementation of 2GoCups was delayed due to Covid so it’s fantastic to see it come to fruition. It is a simple step to less waste on campus, without stopping anyone from taking a hot beverage to go. Win-win.”