Waste & Recycling
Re-storeThe University has launched a new Reuse website called RE-STORE The website aims to increase reuse within the University for two reasons to minimise waste generated and to reduce University expenditure on items like furniture and office sundries. To view our new site and see whether there are any items you require please go to http://www.bris.ac.uk/re-store/home.html You will need to register if you want to view all the items available or to place any surplus items you may have on the website. |
New Recycling Contract starts on 1st April 2013
The University of Bristol begins a new recycling and composting contract with SITA UK from the 1st April 2013. By working together, we can reduce the amount of waste that Bristol University sends to landfill, so we’d like to ask students, staff, lecturers and visitors to take care to put your recycling into the correct container.
This new contract will allow us to recycle a wider range of items and move the University closer to its recycling and composting targets.
What can I recycle?
- Food tins, drink cans, aluminium foil and metal lids
- Plastics, you can recycle ALL plastics even carrier bags, plastic wrapping, hard plastics and black plastics!
- Mixed colour glass bottles and jars
- Paper of all kinds, including office, newspaper, flyers, magazines and envelopes
- Cardboard boxes, sheets, corrugated and cartons (including Tetrapak)
- Food waste, including meat, fish, eggshells, bread and so on, but please no uncooked bones, liquids or solid fats
For more information on recycling or composting contact Sustainability.
Sustainable Waste Management at the University of Bristol
The University of Bristol produces large quantities and varieties of waste from its residences, catering facilities, laboratories, offices, workshops etc. The University has a Duty of Care to dispose of all waste in accordance with European and UK Legislation to ensure our environment is protected and to ensure valuable resources are managed.
The University’s Policy and Strategy for Sustainability clearly defines targets for waste management for 2009-2016.
Waste Data
In 2011/2012 The University reused, recycled or composted 77% of its office waste and increase on 2010/2011’s figure of 65%
View waste data for 2008-2009
View waste data for 2009-2010
View waste data for 2010-2011
How to Manage Your Waste
Waste management needs to follow the Waste Hierarchy to ensure it is dealt with effectively. This hierarchy applies to all wastes.
Before you dispose of waste think!
- Is it really a waste, could someone else use it? In some cases waste doesn't need to be created in the first place.
- Can I recycle it? The University has several recycling schemes in operation further information is in our Waste Guide.
For more information on what happens to your waste visit WRAP's recycle now guidance.
If you work in a laboratory or with hazardous wastes please ensure you are aware of the hazardous of the waste you produce by reviewing the Hazardous Waste Management System.
To help promote recycling in your office please see our range of recycling posters or contact Sustainability for more information.
Legislation and Duty of Care
It is very important that all staff are aware of the correct procedures for disposing of waste to help ensure that the University complies with all waste disposal legislation. If you are unsure of the correct disposal route please contact Sustainability.
A number of pieces of environmental legislation have been, or are in the process of being implemented in the UK. These will affect the way that the University disposes of its waste, in particular hazardous waste. The Energy and Environmental Management Unit implement procedures for the disposal of waste (excluding specialist chemical and radioactive wastes, which are dealt with by the Health and Safety Office).
Download the University's briefing note on Waste disposal and your duty of care.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
New UK regulations on the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) came into force on 1st July 2007.
Hazardous Waste Management System
The University has introduced a new hazardous waste management system. For more information please see the hazardous waste management system pages.
Procedures and disposal forms
Please find below the procedures and forms that should be followed when disposing of waste at the University.
Procedures
- Procedure for the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) includes IT equipment.
- Procedure for the disposal of Batteries
- Procedure for the disposal of confidential waste
- Procedure for the disposal of furniture
- Procedure for Oil/Pollution Response
Forms
- Disposal form for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) including IT equipment.
- Disposal form for mobile phones
Note: some of the documents on this page are in PDF format. In order to view a PDF you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 