Spearheading Dundee’s vibrant arts and culture scene is Dundee Science Centre – a tourist attraction, a lifelong learning resource, and a hub for the local community. With 60,000 in-centre visitors expected in 2023/24, the science centre is at the heart of the city, both culturally and geographically. Dundee Science Centre takes on a leadership role in bringing science and the public together. It helps families learn with each other, to support the formal school curriculum and advance the science communication profession. This is even true for the centre’s Café Create.

Dundee Science Centre takes on a leadership role in bringing science and the public together. It helps families learn with each other, to support the formal school’s curriculum and advance the science communication profession. This is even true for the centre’s Café Create. 

The family-friendly café brings together the functionality of a catered space with fun, interactive features that enhance the dining experience. Having set up Vegware composting collections in 2019, Café Create provides the perfect space for educating customers on composting waste streams and the importance of compost.   

But how did they set up the collections? 

Making the switch 

With the number of visitors Dundee Science Centre receives, catering is a significant operation. The centre champions sustainable operations in all areas, including seeking to limit waste where possible. Where this isn’t possible, Dundee Science Centre have found an innovative solution for their food and packaging waste. It’s a solution that turns waste into a resource. 

Dundee Science Centre switched to Vegware’s plant-based, compostable packaging and worked with Vegware’s Environmental team to set up composting collections. Dundee Science Centre’s staff received training from Vegware’s Waste Management Consultants on how best to dispose of their waste. This has helped visitors choose the correct bins and ensure that the used Vegware and food waste that is collected is turned into high-grade compost in under 12 weeks. 

Communication is key 

Dundee Science Centre’s composting success isn’t solely reliant on dedication of their staff however. Vegware’s Environmental team provided bespoke bin signage all around the site to help visitors understand and use the correct bin. They also worked with Dundee Science Centre staff to create an interactive booth in Café Create. This visual aid helped visitors understand the composting process and its importance in returning essential nutrients back to the earth. 

The composting collections and signage have proven to be a great success according to Dundee Science Centre’s Marketing Assistant, Jessica Smith: 

“The composting collections have been received positively by visitors. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to contribute to sustainable practices while enjoying their time at the Science Centre. It provides an educational experience and shows that even small, individual actions can have a positive impact.” 

Jessica Smith, Marketing Assistant, Dundee Science Centre

Green Tourism Gold Award 

As a Green Tourism Gold Award winner, Dundee Science Centre has become a leading figure in responsible and sustainable tourism. In 2016, the centre installed 116 solar panels which provided enough energy to power the whole site. In 2023, they upgraded the centre’s internal heating system as part of a measure to limit water waste. The Vegware composting collection is just one of these measures. It is another example of how Dundee Science Centre is leading the way with its sustainability efforts. 

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