Recycling and waste

The University has made a commitment to improving environmental performance by setting clear targets for waste and recycling. We will reduce the total amount of waste generated by 1% each year and will recycle 45% of waste and compost 95% of our biodegradable waste.

The University actively promotes recycling and re-use throughout the University accommodation in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. A number of recycling points are located close to the residences. Please see the tab below to see the locations of the recycling facilities.

Please access the sustainability resource map for Streatham Campus and scroll across the map for your location. Students living in a UPP residence can also find out the collection schedule on the UPP recycling poster 2022.

More information is available on the waste and recycling section of the sustainability website.

At the end of term students will often have a number of items which are no longer of use to them. We advise students to donate their items through the student 'Moving On' project. Items will be given to the British Heart Foundation for them to sell within local charity shops. If you require more information, take a look at the moving out pages of our website.

You are able to recycle the following items at facilities close to your accommodation:

• Food waste
  Food bins are provided within self-catered residences at Lafrowda, Rowe House, St Germans, Birks Grange Village and Duryard. Food waste is recycled within all catered halls.
• Cardboard*
  Please use the bins provided and flat pack these items first. Pizza boxes should not be placed in bins as they are contaminated with food.
• Plastic
  Please ensure you rinse all plastic before it is recycled.
• Tetra Pak packaging
  Place Tetra Pak cartons in existing red plastic bins on campus.
• Glass
  Please drain of all liquids, remove lids and rinse first before recycling.
• Cans
  Please rinse all cans before recycling.
• Paper and magazines*
  These can be left for recycling in the Reception Areas or Management Offices.

*Please note that cardboard, magazines and paper can be recycled together in the following self-catered residences: Lafrowda, Rowe House, St Germans, Birks Grange Village and Duryard.

It is important that you follow the rules for recycling as any bins which are contaminated, with even the small amount of the incorrect waste, will result in it all being sent to landfill.  Please do not put plastic bags into any of the recycling containers as this contaminates the bin, and the contents will then be sent to landfill. Please see the Quick Guide to Recycling for further information.

In addition, across campus there are:

• Hospiscare boxes for the collection of optical glasses and stamps.
• Collection points for battery recycling are available within your residence reception.
• Textiles and shoes - If you have waste textiles with University logos and text, please contact the Campus Services Helpdesk. Alternatively, you can donate items as part of the 'Moving On' project raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Please do not leave rubbish bags beside the bins. If bins are full, please tell the relevant Reception staff.

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It is your responsibility to empty the rubbish in your bedroom and kitchen. We will provide you with a bin to put your rubbish in. When disposing of your rubbish please tie a knot in the bag and place it in one of the large bins located near to each residence Sharp items, e.g. razor blades, glass, etc. must not be placed in these bins for health and safety reasons. If one is not available or if you need to dispose of razor blades or needles please see housekeeping staff who will be able to instruct you on how to dispose of these safely.  Please do not overfill bags, because this makes them burst, and please take care that no liquids are leaking out of the bags as you carry them through the building.

If you share a flat or a house with others you will need to share the responsibility of removing rubbish regularly.

Studios – If you wish to dispose of any sharp items (e.g. broken glass, crockery, etc.) please contact the relevant Reception to obtain a secure container for their safe disposal.

Students should ensure that they clean out recycling bins after emptying them.

Our water and sewerage is supplied by South West Water who have a 'Love Your Loo' campaign running at the moment in order to help save 8,500 sewers from being blocked each year. The blockages are caused by inappropriately flushing baby wipes, hygiene wipes, cleaning wipes, cleansing pads and sanitary products. This costs about £4.5million per year and is added to customer bills.

For further information, please visit the South West Water website.