Celebrating 40,000+ Disposables Saved: Reuse Revolution at HKUST
We are excited to announce that over 40,000 single-use disposables have been saved from landfills through the Lunchbox Lending Programme! Thank you to the HKUST community members who joined the reuse revolution, and used the reusable lunchboxes from the lunchbox lending machines on campus to help reduce waste! It is only with your support, as well as the collective effort from students and staff from seven other universities in Hong Kong, that we achieved this milestone!
What is the Lunchbox Lending Programme?
The Jockey Club Sustainable Campus Consumer Programme launched the Lunchbox Lending Programme in June 2023 to offer a convenient solution to reduce single-use disposable waste on university campuses. The programme allows students and staff to borrow a reusable container for takeaway at lending machines on campus, by simply paying a $20 deposit by Octopus card. After use, the containers can be returned at return machines without the user having to wash it themselves. Upon return, the deposit will also be refunded. The used containers are collected and washed daily at the central dishwashing facility in LG7 Canteen, ensuring a seamless and environmentally friendly cycle of reuse.
In response to user feedback, the programme incorporated new options for users to borrow cutlery along with containers, as well as a new reusable bowl option in October 2024. These options offer more flexibility in reducing waste while promoting sustainable habits on campus.
Convenient Solution
The programme not only offers a free and eco-friendly takeaway option on campus, but serves as a convenient solution for students and staff who may forget to bring their own containers. By participating in the reuse revolution, HKUST students and staff are actively contributing to waste reduction and environmental conservation.
Join us in Reducing Waste!
Thank you once again to the HKUST community for embracing the reuse revolution and using the Lunchbox Lending Programme!
Find the Machines on HKUST Campus
Lending Machines:
- Outside LG1 Canteen
- Outside Passione
Return Machines:
- Atrium (near Lift 2)
- Outside Passione
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, technology and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. We were ranked 3rd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2022, and our graduates were ranked 23rd worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global Employability University Ranking and Survey 2021.
