Waste and recycling
The Facilities Operations Team manages the University’s waste and recycling services, working with the sustainability team and key stakeholders to ensure waste is managed safely, efficiently, and in line with legislation. The team continues to improve recycling across campus through new processes, guidance, and facilities, helping staff and students reduce waste and support the University’s sustainability goals.
On this page:
Services
Email us: facilitiesmanagement@exeter.ac.uk
Topics
Use the Sustainability Team’s A–Z Waste Guide to find the correct disposal method for your waste. These procedures ensure waste is managed legally, cost-effectively, and in the most environmentally responsible way.
Laboratory, chemical, and clinical waste streams (including paint, adhesives, and cleaning products) are managed by Technical Services. For advice on any waste not covered in the guide, please contact the Campus Services Help Desk.
Before disposing of items, please consider whether the item may be reused by another department. Please visit WARPit for further information. WARPit is a great way to support the University's Circular Economy Strategy.
- flatten single boxes and leave them beside internal recycling bins for the Cleaning Team to collect
- flatten larger amounts of cardboard and take them to the external cardboard recycling bins
- for large clear-outs or office moves, submit a Disposal Form via the Campus Services Help Desk for collection by the Portering Team
- offices are responsible for emptying their own self-service cardboard bins
Confidential paper should be placed in the locked Restore Datashred consoles located across campus. These are emptied regularly and provide a secure method of disposing of confidential documents. Please do not overfill the consoles. If you find it’s full, report it to the Campus Services Help Desk.
For larger volumes of confidential paper, such as during office moves or clear-outs, request confidential recycling bags using the Facilities Operations Move It form and arrange collection once they are full. Bags should be stored securely until collected and only used for paper-based materials.
What goes in the bags:
- confidential paper, invoices, statements
- staples, paper clips and lever arch files can be included
What must not go in the bags:
- general and food waste
- plastics (except pockets containing documents)
- polystyrene
- metal
- waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
- batteries
- hazardous waste
- non-confidential paper can be placed in the mixed recycling bins available throughout campus
To ensure compliance with waste legislation and maximise recycling, University staff must use the approved skip hire contractor, Leeses Skip Hire Ltd (part of Coastal). This service does not apply to contractors arranging their own skips.
How to I order a skip?
To arrange skip hire, contact Leeses Skip Hire (part of Coastal) by phone on 01392 826456 or email orders@coastaluk.co.uk. When booking, provide the type and size of skip required, a description of the waste, the collection location (including What3Words if available), and your purchase order number. Your booking cannot be processed without this information.
What are my legal responsibilities?
The person arranging the skip is responsible for ensuring it is managed in line with current waste legislation and the University's Duty of Care requirements. Before hiring a skip, you should familiarise yourself with the University's environmental compliance guidance and ensure all waste is disposed of safely, legally, and in accordance with the waste hierarchy.
Skip hire requirements
- consider reuse options before disposing of items, such as furniture
- do not place electrical items, hazardous waste, or liquids in general waste skips. If you are unsure, refer to the A–Z Waste Guide or contact the Sustainability Team
- contractors must use their own skips, and skips should not be used by members of the public
- complete and sign a Waste Transfer Note when the skip is collected and send a copy to the Facilities Operations Team for record keeping
Additional guidance
- keep skips on campus for the shortest time possible
- use lockable skips where available and ensure they are locked when not in use
- position skips containing combustible materials at least 8 metres from buildings where possible
- do not overfill skips or leave waste outside them
If you have any questions regarding skip hire, please contact Caroline Yoe at facilitiesmanagement@exeter.ac.uk .
If you have any queries regarding environmental compliance, please email Sustainability.
The contract for laboratory waste and hazardous waste for the Streatham and St Luke's Campus is with Tradebe.
There are important legal requirements relating to the disposal of hazardous waste that the University must comply with. This contract is managed by Technical Services, please visit the Lab Waste Sharepoint Page for details on submitting a collection or email technicaloperations@exeter.ac.uk with any further questions.
All waste disposals are chargeable, with the exception of IT equipment and paper.
Typical charges are listed below. Please note that these are subject to change.
- chairs £5
- desk £5
- fridges £40
- commercial fridges £120
- bookcases £5
- pedestal £5
- filing cabinet £5
- sofa £10
- mattresses £20
About the team
Our Impact
The Facilities Operations team continues to increase recycling activity across the University through improved services, clearing signage and updated recycling facilities. Working with SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd we have improved processes to enable staff and students recycle more materials in line with waste legislation. We also work closely with the Sustainability team and other stakeholders to manage waste efficiently and support improved practices in all new building and refurbishments projects.