Waste and recycling

What can I recycle?

We have recycling bins across our sites. Find out what can and can't be recycled in these bins below.

Crisp packets
Snack wrappers
Tissues and kitchen roll (clean or dirty)
Food
Polystyrene
Plastic bags
Coffee cups
Drinks cartons (tetra pak and non-tetra pak)
Plastic film
Tin foil
Jiffy bags
Laminated paper
Shredded paper

Waste Hierarchy

As the University follows the principles of the waste hierarchy, we aim to ensure none of our non-hazardous waste goes to landfill - it is recycled or converted into energy. Veolia Waste Management is our waste collection provider.

Fighting Food Waste

Food waste has a significant environmental impact, it's something we can all take action on to reduce in our day-to-day lives. Consider the following to reduce your carbon footprint and food waste:

Buy fresh food such as fruit and veg little and often
Look up recipes to make use of overripe, wonky or surplus food you have e.g. soups, smoothies, stock, banana bread, and even vegetable peelings can be used in some recipes
Check whether food items are likely to last longer in the fridge or in your cupboards - you might be surprised! Bread, potatoes and onions last longer out of the fridge
Plan your meals when you do your shopping and stick to your shopping list
Try to buy loose items instead of multipacks where possible
Measure portions - weigh out your pasta/rice etc. or use a cup rather than guessing
Freeze your leftovers or save them for lunch the next day

Recycling projects

None of our general waste gets sent to landfill - any waste we cannot recycle is sent to an Energy from Waste recovery facility
All hot drinks on our sites incur a cup charge. Profits from this are spent on sustainability projects. You can avoid this charge by bringing along your reusable cup
We have rolled out food recycling across the University, including all halls of residence.
We have installed a reverse vending machine at Kedleston Road. You can receive vouchers for recycling your bottles and cans!
We are working hard to reduce disposables where possible and are continually looking into opportunities to replace them with reusables

Waste Performance for whole University including Halls of Residence

Year	Total Waste (T)	Recycling (%)	Food Recycling* (T)
2020-21	842	37.85	0
2021-22	755	37.35	0
2022-23	718	39.32	5.7
2023-24	687	37.89	22.3
2024-25	683	41.61	24.4

*Food recycling has increased over recent years due to the gradual expansion of food recycling caddies across the University and in Halls of Residence.