We’ve diverted 213.93 tonnes of waste from landfill –
that’s 10 tonnes more than the weight of the Statue of Liberty.
We’ve recycled 5258 litres of cooking oil… that would produce enough electricity to make 1.3 million cups of tea. Our Recycling rate has improved from 17.51% in 2008–9
to 29.38% in 2009–10.Our Zero waste campaign has reused and recycled 16.82 tonnes of students’unwanted things, which is equivalent to the weight of four adult African elephants.
The way we manage waste has a big impact on sustainability, and helps to conserve finite resources. We’re working towards being a zero waste organisation and we aim to dispose of the waste we generate by the most practical and environmental means.
Since October 1st 2007, every business or organisation has a responsibility to ‘pre-treat’ its waste before it goes to landfill. This means that either we or our waste contractors are obliged to try and separate out as much of the recyclable waste as we can before the rest of the waste is disposed of. Our new recycling scheme helps us to meet this legal compliance.
We estimate that every tonne of waste we produce costs the University around £75, although this is increasing every year with landfill tax changes. Our recycling, however, is taken at almost zero cost, so we’re saving money with every tonne we can divert from landfill. The money saved can then be put towards making the University a better place to be.
Reprocessing of wastes saves the use of virgin materials, and recycling – especially if it happens locally– cuts down on our carbon emissions.
Starting from the simple but beautiful philosophy ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’our goals are to:
We’ve already ensured that over 30 tonnes of waste, which was bound for landfill, has been recycled effectively through our Zero Waste campaign.
We’ve made it easier for students to recycle paper, card, plastic, glass and cans by placing portable recycling facilities in our halls of residences, diverting 75 tonnes of waste from landfill. We’re always looking out for recycling champions to ensure our students separate and recycle their waste effectively. See what else we’re doing.
We’ve committed to donate a proportion of our unwanted computer equipment to local charities. If you work for or with a local charity, or are a member of staff or student who may know of a charity that could benefit from a donation, contact the Waste and Recycling Team by e-mail.
MMU Staff · Use the How do I? FAQs for instructions and guidance on day to day tasks. Use our on-line form to make a Waste & Recycling request.