Waste and recycling
Waste and recycling is one of the most visible areas in the sustainability agenda. It demonstrates our commitment to staff, students and visitors and offers an opportunity for people to easily get involved in environmental improvement. In addition, our customers, clients, funding bodies, local authorities and lenders all demand information about our waste and recycling achievements.
In January 2010, the University’s Waste & Resource Strategy was adopted. This document was based on three key principles: the waste hierarchy, legal compliance and waste as a resource. The actions identified with the strategy build on existing good practice such as the Student re-use project and make recommendations to improve the sustainability of waste and resource management across each waste stream and in specific business activities such as procurement, marketing, teaching and research and catering. These are all underpinned by a comprehensive programme of communication and awareness raising activities.
How to dispose of your waste
You can find out how to dispose of your waste by using our A-Z guide. These disposal procedures have been prepared to ensure that the University complies with all relevant waste legislation, that materials are disposed of in a cost effective manner and in the most environmentally sound way (in accordance with the waste hierarchy). If your waste stream is not listed, or you are unsure about what to do, please contact Kate Couper, the University’s Waste and Recycling Supervisor.
Waste Hierarchy
The key principle behind the University’s is the well established Waste Hierarchy. This has become a cornerstone of sustainable waste management thinking, setting out the order in which waste management measures should be prioritised based on environmental impact.
As a priority waste should be prevented and minimised. If waste can be avoided in the first instance, there is no need to look at recycling or disposal options for the materials. Reuse (using products and materials again, for the same or different purpose) is also a key component of the strategy and a range of measures have been identified in this strategy to encourage reuse of materials. Where waste is generated, the University’s priority is to ensure that waste is diverted from landfill and recycled or recovered.
Waste as a resource
A number of the waste streams produced by the University have considerable market value and if collected and segregated properly, the University can receive rebates from recyclers or can sell items that are in good condition. The University will seek to consider waste a resource and raise revenue wherever possible.
