Circular economy
La Trobe University is committed to circular economy principles; making better use of resources and reducing waste.
The Reusable Revolution
La Trobe Sustainability launched a reusable crockery program in the Agora, at our Melbourne (Bundoora) campus in Semester 1, 2023.
The Reusable Revolution is supported by the Circular Economy Reuse Pilots Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy.
In 2023, we saved 56,595 single use items from landfill!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Choose to reuse: ask for reusable crockery (cups, bowls, plates or cutlery) when you order your meal from one of our participating retailers.
- Place your dishes on trolleys: once you’ve finished your meal, place your dishes onto dedicated collection trolleys available around the Agora. Trolleys are located at the four corners of the Agora, and also in the Agora Theatre building.
- Dishes are cleaned: your dishes will be taken to the Dish Wash Hub to be cleaned.
- The revolution continues: the clean dishes are returned to our Agora vendors.
The following vendors are participating:
- Café Spice
- Caffeine
- Bachelor of Coffee
- Fuel Juice Bar
- House of Cards
- Mamak Rice and Noodle Bar
- Grafali's Coffee Roasters
- Chapter 2 and;
- Fusion
The Reusable Revolution:
- Reduces waste by replacing single-use cups and dishes
- Cuts out the resource heavy production and transport of disposable containers
- Provides us with a nicer dining experience (so long, soggy plates!)
- Contributes to a campus-based circular economy
Takeaway packaging is still available from all Agora retailers.
Water bottles and drinking fountain
Bottled water can have negative impacts on both human health and the environment. Luckily in Australia we have some of the best tap water in the world which is perfectly safe to drink.
La Trobe has water fountains installed across our campuses to allow the community to refill and stay hydrated for free, so bring a reusable bottle and save some money and the environment by refilling. Check out this map of water fountain locations on our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus.
Reusable bottles also help us avoid packaging waste on campus – win-win!
Maintenance issue?
If you spot an issue with a water fountain on campus, please email I&O service desk to get it fixed.