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Our guide to making recycling easy

Posted 1 year ago

Demystify recycling at your Hall, for good.

This article applies to residents of College Hall, Connaught Hall, International Hall and Nutford House.

We know it can be confusing, as recycling rules vary in different locations across the UK, and from the rest of the world. However, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Read this article about our 4 key waste streams and you too can be a recycling hero! 🦸🏽 (test your knowledge by taking our quiz)

Did you know: London has a recycling rate of just 33%. Can you do your bit to help London improve their recycling rates? If we want to live sustainably as a society, we need to adopt a circular economy mindset. Recycling our waste is a important part of this shift.

Mixed Recycling

Accepted: Paper, cardboard, hard plastics, aluminium, glass, aerosols, Tetra Pak

  • Must be clean and dry
  • Use clear bin bags only. E.g. these (non-clear bags will be rejected)
  •  No batteries or vapes (fire risk 🔥)
diagram

What goes in your mixed recycling bin at University of London?

No thank you, these items are not recyclable:

  • Food-contaminated packaging.
  • Tissues, napkins and paper towels.
  • Plastic bags and other soft plastic, such as snack wrappers and crisp packets.
  • Coffee cups, including compostable cups.
  • Compostable/biodegradable packaging.
  • Polystyrene packaging.

Did you know: A plastic bottle takes an average of 450 years to biodegrade if not recycled?

Glass:

Glass recycling bins are located in your common rooms.

diagram

What can go in your glass bin at University of London

Did you know: Glass is an extremely malleable material that can be melted down, repoured, and reshaped with no loss in quality. Therefore recycling glass is very important!

General Waste:

Accepted: Anything that cannot be recycled

❌ No batteries or vapes (fire risk 🔥)

diagram

What can go in your General Waste bin at University of London

Food Waste:

Accepted: All food (cooked or uncooked), including tea bags

🔋 Batteries & Vapes:

Dispose of these in the dedicated bins by Reception. Never place them in general waste or recycling (fire risk🔥).

Using these bins allows for the precious materials (e.g. lithium) to be recycled.