PSWMC - Changing the way we work

The National Library of Wales received funding from the Public Sector Waste Minimisation Campaign in 2008-09 for the purchase of a Rocket Composter – a self contained composting system that turns all organic waste including cooked food waste in to compost. This is used for the composting of food waste produced from the Library canteen and any green waste from the grounds.

The library would not have been unable to fund the compost project without the support of the Campaign and has really pushed to increase recycling and improve their resource efficiency. They have successfully adopted systems throughout the library to recycle as much of their waste as possible.

All the offices are equipped with dedicated recycling bins for paper, card, cans, plastics and batteries, glass is also collected. . All the waste streams are taken to a central, external waste compound area for bulking and collection, cardboard is compacted. The compound is also where the composter is located.        

The Library also has the IT systems completely networked and multifunction devices in place with the aim of reducing the amount of paper used.  To further minimise paper use, the library installed Dyson hand driers in all of the public toilets, resulting in a reduction in the usage of paper towels.

The amount of waste diverted from landfill demonstrates the success the library has achieved. The figures listed below are from February to June 2010. The composter has enabled the library to divert approximately 3 tonnes of their food and green waste from landfill in 18 months.

The National Library of Wales has demonstrated that they have worked hard to improve their resource efficiency and sustainability. As a result, at the Wales Public Sector Environment and Sustainability Awards 2010, the Library beat stiff competition and was awarded the award for Resource Efficiency Excellence.