There are a few reasons why it is good to recycle at the University:

LEGAL COMPLIANCE - WE MUST!

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 us 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 achieve this legal compliance

IT SAVES US MONEY

We estimate that every tonne of waste that we produce costs the University around £125 although this is increasing every year with landfill tax changes. Our recycling, however, is taken at almost zero cost, so we are 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.

ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE OF RECYCLING

We appreciate that it is debatable exactly how 'good' recycling is for the environment. Debates have already been had on this issue on the Environment Team Discussion Board. On one issue alone, our paper waste (some of the heaviest material we recycle) is taken to a paper mill in Leicestershire for reprocessing. There would be a carbon-saving for every mile less that our waste travels before it is processed. Reprocessing of waste saves the use of virgin materials and the arguments in favour of recycling (particularly if it happens locally) are now grounded in years of experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL THERAPY - IT MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER!

We know that a lot of you have been asking for better recycling facilities for a while. We know that we still have areas where we need to resolve issues (and we are working on this), but we hope that you are happy that there are now better facilities for helping you to 'do your bit'!