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…

At the start of August 2025, the Estates Wren system was replaced by a new system called Concerto, so there have been changes to the process for requesting waste disposal collections. All members of staff now have the ability to raise online Waste Disposal Requests via the new FixMy platform within Concerto by clicking on the green Waste Disposal Request Form button at the top of this page. For step-by-step guidance on how to log in to FixMy and use the new Waste Disposal Request Form, you can either scroll down on this page and click on the 'more details'…
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Resource Use, Recycling and Waste

Link to information about our progress towards UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production The University’s Environment and Energy Policy (issued in June 2025) includes an overarching commitment to "ensure our waste is carefully managed to minimise the impact on the environment and ensure, as a minimum, statutory obligations are met" and to "promote and facilitate waste segregation and encourage the consideration of the waste hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, dispose); diverting waste away from landfill where possible" (see sections 14-16). It also includes a commitment to "promote sustainable resource management practices and support the purchase of products and services that…
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