We have heavily invested in our waste and recycling infrastructure to ensure that all our campuses have a large network of recycling bins. This investment has ensured that we are able to maximise the amount of recycling we are able to segregate at source, ensuring good quality recycling for reprocessing, and ever increasing recycling levels.
Internally and externally, using our quad bins, students and staff are able to separate the following for recycling;
- Paper / Cardboard
- Plastic
- Cans
- Glass
- Food
- Coffee cups (some locations)
For more information on available waste and recycling receptacles, see our Waste Management; Operational Procedure
We work closely with our appointed waste and recycling contractor to ensure we process our recycling and general waste in line with the Waste Hierarchy requirement.
Currently our key waste streams are processed as follows;
Non-Recycling (general waste) is sent to an Energy Recovery Facility in South Wales where the waste is incinerated to produce energy; heat and electricity. This is then used to power the facility and exported back to the national grid. The facility processes on average 350,000 tonnes of waste per year, and produces approximately 250GWH, enough to power around 68,448 homes.
Food waste is sent to a facility in South Wales where the waste is processed by Anaerobic Digestion, a process whereby in the absence of oxygen microbes breakdown the food waste, producing bio-gas, and a nutrient rich fertiliser.
Paper, cardboard, cans and glass are all taken to a local baling plant where they are prepared ready for distribution to various industries throughout the UK and Europe for open and closed loop recycling.
Coffee cups
In partnership with the local council we are able to recycle the coffee cups that are collected from around our campuses.