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.

This plan is lead by:

• Helen Rutherford, Head of Sustainable Campus Operations

This plan is enabled by:

Waste is minimised 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 30kg 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 36.6kg per staff/student FTE in 2022/23. 100% of waste continues to be diverted from landfill. The percentage of waste recycled has increased from 12% in 2018/19 to 38% in 2022/23.

Operational priorities for 2023/24

• 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