World-class research based on a distinctive, interdisciplinary approach to the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities.
The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.
The University is committed to reducing the volume of waste generated in addition to increasing the proportion of recycled waste. MGC endeavours to implement sustainable resource management practices based on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle principles.
MGC strives to reduce the acquisition of new materials by re-using existing materials and increasing recycling to the highest possible standards. All waste is disposed of in a manner consistent with statutory requirements and procedures are documented. MGC continues to use the University web pages as a platform to keep the staff, students and wider stakeholder community informed of the University’s waste policies and procedures.
Also, members of the Waste Working Group are:
Ann Marie Cudden, Maynooth Students’ Union
Ivan Griffin, Campus & Commercial Services Manager
Stephen Seaman, Grounds Department Supervisor
Mireia Guardino-Ferran, MGC Coordinator
MGC has partnered with Rehab Recycle in Tallaght to divert IT equipment from the recycling stream. The data is wiped by IT services, then Rehab distributes the equipment to schools and community organisations. Rehab Recycle supports the employment of 28 people, 64% of whom are people with a disability. Mark Maguire, senior business manager, said 'it is impossible for me to overstate the importance of creating and sustaining employment for people with disabilities when you consider that people with disabilities in Ireland are only half as likely to be in employment when compared to non-disabled peers'.
Latest figures for January to June 2023
For reuse at the university: 120 PC, 80 monitors, 15 Laptops, 10 printers and 50 chargers, we reuse for computers rooms, loan laptops, CA's devices and exams.
For recycling:
480 computers
220 monitors
38 printers
320 keyboards and mouses
120 kg power cords
110 chargers
100 patch cords and 60 telephones
From July 2021 to November 2022
9,854 kg of electronic equipment diverted from landfills and either recycled or reused
Including the following:
86 TFT/LCD Monitors reused
40 Laptops reused
590 base units reused
169 base units were diverted from landfills and recycled.
218 TFT/LCD Monitors diverted from landfill and recycled
Why not fill your water bottle at one of the water fountains around campus?
This quality drinking water is free and reduces plastic consumption when you use your refillable bottle - a win-win for you and our environment.
If there is an issue with a water fountain, please get in touch with [email protected] or log a call through the fast-track portal here
Small Electrical Appliances
If academic departments or offices have 'end-of-life' small appliances to dispose of, please log a call through Campus Services' fast-track service requesting 'Transport' from the particular location to the Grounds Lower Yard, South Campus.
If the electrical items are still in good condition and are in perfect working order, please contact [email protected], as we will take stock, store them and keep them for future use. Waste batteries come in several different types, such as:
Lithium batteries – are used in e-cigarettes, laptops, cameras, phones etc.
Alkaline batteries – used in TV remotes, torches, alarm clocks, etc.
Lead acid batteries – car batteries, etc.
Other portable battery types used in power tools, lighting equipment and other applications – NiMH, NiCd, etc.
Many academic departments and offices have small WEEE Ireland (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) battery boxes. Please follow the instructions below to empty those boxes.
When the blue WEEE battery boxes are full, log a call through Campus Services requesting 'Transport' from the particular location to the closest WEEE barrel, either in EOLAS or Post Room (South Campus)
The empty WEEE boxes will be returned to your office or academic department
When the barrels are full, MGC will arrange a collection from WEEE Ireland.
NOTE: Vapes can be disposed of in the WEEE battery boxes.
Academic departments and office staff must collect the Canon toners from the Post Room in the John Hume building. Or the Post Room in Riverstown for offices in the South Campus.
Disposing of the empty toners:
Staff must bring back the used toners to the John Hume Post Room, where there is a specific Canon recycling box.
MGC, in partnership with the Residences Office and the International Office, organised the 'Reuse Pop-up Centre' giveaway event for students. Maynooth Green Campus team realised that (mostly) international students buy items while studying at Maynooth University. However, they cannot take them home at the end of the academic term in May. These valuable household items ended up in landfill, despite only being used for a few short months. MGC decided to do something about it!
At the end of last semester, we had collection points for students to donate their items - from kitchen utensils to winter coats and walking boots... students wanted their items to be reused! In September 2022, students had the opportunity to 'shop' for free second-hand items, contributing to the circularity of these items and saving money.
Location: Maynooth Student's Union Info Centre
This year we have collected approximately a TON of household items. The report be ready soon.
