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.

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.

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.

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 what happens to your waste visit WRAP's recycle now guidance.
• To help promote recycling in your office please see our range of recycling posters or contact Sustainability for more information. 
• The University has several recycling schemes in operation .

For more information on recycling or composting contact Sustainability.

Waste Data

The University has achieved an overall recycling rate of 74.5% in 2012-2013. This comprises two elements:

45.8% is source segregated good quality recycling, which sustains recycling markets in the Uk and abroad. The University has a target to increase this source segregated recycling figure to 65% by 2016.

28.4% is screened out from our ‘black bag’ waste by New Earth Solutions and SITA at Avonmouth. This is not a replacement for recycling but technologies ensure that what is thrown into black bag waste can be reclaimed. This is a much lower grade of recycling but is still better than sending all of our waste to landfill.

In 2012-2013 the University send just 5% of its waste to landfill.

Previous years data.

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