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ATU Recycling Initiative Raises Over €7,000 for Hospice
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) continues to make a significant impact through its recycling initiative, having raised over €7,000 for North West Hospice since its inception. Most recently, the university handed over an additional €3,000 to North West Hospice.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) continues to make a significant impact through its recycling initiative, having raised over €7,000 for North West Hospice since its inception. Most recently, the university handed over an additional €3,000 to North West Hospice.
The initiative, inspired by Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, encourages students, staff, and visitors to use special bins for plastic bottles and aluminium cans. These bottles and cans are then collected and deposited to a Return centre with 100% of all proceeds directed to North West Hospice.
Led by ATU lecturer Robert Craig, the programme has grown into a campus-wide effort, with collection bins now placed in every classroom by ATU’s Estates team. Over the past six months Robert and a small team of volunteers have collected over 35,000 cans and bottles.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, praised the collective efforts behind the initiative, highlighting the dedication of staff and students, the support of O’Hehirs canteen staff under the guidance of Manager, Des Faul, Flannery’s Cleaning team, and ATU Estates team’s commitment to expanding the project campus wide and beyond:
“This is a fantastic example of how our university community can come together to drive positive change, making a difference both environmentally and socially. Robert’s dedication to this initiative has been truly outstanding. Not only has he spearheaded this project, but he has personally gathered and transported cans to collection points to maximise funds for the Hospice.”
With the addition of new collection points, organisers hope to surpass €10,000 in funds raised by the end of the academic term in June.
North West Hospice Commercial Manager Mary Forte thanked the staff and students of ATU for the ongoing support.
“This initiative is a wonderful example of how a simple act—recycling—can have such a meaningful impact. The funds raised help us continue to provide vital services to those in our care, and we are so grateful to ATU and everyone involved.”
Staff and students are encouraged to bring their used cans and plastic bottles to ATU Sligo campus to help raise further funds for North West Hospice.
