Waste Management

In 2021 the university appointed a new principal contractor for the collection of non-hazardous and hazardous waste on site. The contractor created a clear three waste stream approach to waste management, General Waste, Dry Mixed Recycling and Glass collection, which has increased the on site recycling.

The university continues to increase the annual percentage of waste recycled on site, whilst decreasing the amount of waste produced per staff/ student FTE. Whilst working with our waste and refuse contractor, the management of waste through clear and distinct waste streams remains effective. 

This plan is lead by:

• Helen Rutherford, Head of Sustainable Campus Operations

This plan is enabled by:

Waste is minimized and recycling is maximised by providing properly segregated recycling in all buildings and outdoor spaces.  Furniture and fixtures and fittings are reused and recycled wherever possible, proudly displaying a tag saying ‘Recycled’.

UN SDGs

Targets and progress

Target

• Reduce Operational waste (excluding construction waste) to 40kg per staff/student FTE in 2025/26.
• 100% of waste will continue to be diverted from landfill.
• The percentage of waste recycled will increase to 60% by 2025/26

Progress

Progress status: GREEN

Operational waste (excluding construction waste) has reduced from 70kg per staff/student FTE in 2018/19 to 35kg per staff/student FTE in 2023/24.

100% of scheduled waste continues to be diverted from landfill. The university continues to comply all waste legislation, which require specific waste disposal routes for specific waste types.

The percentage of waste recycled has remained steady at 33% in 2023/24.

Operational priorities for 2024/25

• Working with staff and students to increase the level of recycling which can be achieved through better use of the recycling system

• Working with departments to understand needs for specialist recycling

• Working with contractors to maximise recycling of waste during construction projects