Cheese or Chocolate?

By jamesthorpeNov 30, 20170 Comments
We know that cigarette ends getting discarded on the ground looks unsightly but it also has an impact on wildlife and the natural environment. As a University, we (officially!) have one of the best green spaces in the country and we are committed to keeping it that way. To encourage people to dispose of their cigarette ends responsibly, we are trialling new ballot bins. These new bins pose a question and allow smokers to vote on what they think! These have been used effectively in other areas of the country and we are looking forward to seeing the results of…
Waste and Recycling
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New drinks machines provide free water and cut plastic waste

By jamesthorpeSep 14, 20170 Comments
University students and staff will help stop more than half a million plastic bottles being thrown away every year with the introduction of new drinks machines around campus. The University of Reading is becoming the first university in the UK to introduce new vending machines designed to provide healthier drink choices and cut the volume of plastic waste on campus. Around 650,000 plastic bottled drinks are used across the University’s Whiteknights and London Road campuses each year. To reduce the volume of plastic used on campus, the University is this week launching the Sustain It bottle – a reusable bottle that uses…
Awards and Achievements, Energy and Water, Waste and Recycling, , , , ,
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Q and A with Abi, our summer intern

By jamesthorpeAug 25, 20170 Comments
This summer, Abi worked to raise awareness of the University’s new Waste Strategy including the new 60% recycling target. This included upgrading recycling facilities across ten buildings on campus, communicating with staff and students and investigate waste and recycling issues across campus. What did your role involved? As a Junior Sustainability Officer, I created a communication plan to engage with staff and students about upgrading facilities across campus. From Health & Safety’s input into the floorplans, porters’ assistance in moving newly unpacked and labelled bins and talking to staff during our recycling roadshows- this internship has taught me the importance…
Awards and Achievements, Waste and Recycling
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What can I recycle?

In the recycling bins with blue lids/labels: Paper Envelopes Newspapers Magazines Cardboard (flattened) Paper bound books NO glass NO paper cups NO polystyrene NO food NO liquid In the recycling bins with green lids/labels: Drinks cans Tins Plastic bottles Plastic cups Plastic containers (clean) Paper can be put in here NO glass NO paper cups NO food NO liquids More details about plastic types (external website) In the recycling bins with brown lids/labels: Left over food Fruit skins and peelings Meat and fish (raw or cooked) Tea bags Coffee grounds NO glass NO packaging NO paper cups NO cans/tins NO liquids Read…
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A-to-Z of Waste and Recycling

A: Aerosols, Aluminium Cans/Foil, Asbestos Waste, Appliances. more Aerosols On Campus: Some aerosols are categorised as hazardous waste, so please DO NOT put aerosols into any bins on campus.  If the aerosol has been used for University business purposes, contact Sustainability Services for recycling information (disposal is chargeable to the department). Off Campus: Check with your local council, as some may permit empty household aerosols to be placed in the mixed recycling. Alternatively, take to your household waste recycling centre. Ensure that the aerosol is completely empty before you decide to recycle it. Do not pierce, crush or flatten the aerosol before…
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Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Waste is defined as hazardous if it contains materials or substances that are harmful to human health or the environment. The University is considered to be a hazardous waste 'producer' under the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005.  Therefore the correct procedures and facilities need to be in place to ensure we are managing our waste appropriately, legally and safely. Safety Code of Practice 48: Hazardous Waste   -  This University Code of Practice provides information about what is defined as hazardous waste plus the correct management and disposal processes that need to be applied at the University of Reading. Technical Guidance WM3:…
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Let’s Reuse More

From both a financial and an environmental perspective, re-using resources at the University is really important; so we have established various different schemes to help re-use materials, items and equipment.  Find out more about the schemes and how to get involved below: Re-use it with Warp-it Warp-it is an on-line portal for members of staff to help you offer unwanted items to other Schools/Functions; and search for items to claim for business use. or LINK GOES STRAIGHT TO WARP-IT PORTAL Re-use it with UniGreenScheme UniGreenScheme is able to help members of staff find new homes (outside the University) for unwanted…
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Waste Disposal Request, Skips and More…

Online Disposal Request You can book a waste collection via the Online Disposal Request Form whilst working on campus and connected directly to the University network, but please note that this may not be available when working from home or off-site. Hints and tips on completing the Online Disposal Request Form Order New Confidential Waste Bags and/or a Collection of Cartridge Recycling Boxes Skip hire Personally owned IT equipment Disposal Charges
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Resource Use, Recycling and Waste

To view this video with captions, please view on our YouTube channel by following this link. LET'S GET IT SORTED... Did you know that only 1% by weight of the University's day-to-day operational waste goes to landfill? Certain types of materials, such as asbestos, have to be sent to specialist landfill facilities, but 99% doesn't go to landfill. Over 62% of our waste is sent for recycling (including repair, re-use, anaerobic digestion & composting). Most of our non-recyclable waste is sent to an Energy from Waste plant where it is burnt to generate heat and electricity, which is then passed into…
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