Waste management & recycling

The University's waste policy is to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Our recycling performance has improved from 16% in 2002 to over 92% in 2010.
From July 2008 composting bins have been provided in campus kitchens for food waste. [more information in The Reporter...]

We have signed the UK's Construction Committment. This includes a target of halving our construction waste to landfill by 2012.
We have set a target to reduce general waste by 10% by 2012.

What can I recycle?

A | B | C | D | F | G | I | L | P | T

Aluminium
See Drink and food cans

Batteries
All AA and similar type batteries can be sent in the internal post to Cleaning Services.
If you have batteries containing lithium, cadmium, mercury, lead acid or rechargeable batteries, please contact Enviroco http://www.enviroco.co.uk/contact.php. They will provide a quotation via Health and Safety Services. The cost is divided so that the department pays 25% toward the cost of disposal and Health and Safety Services pays 75%.

Cans
See Drink and food cans

Cartridges
See Ink cartridges

Chemical bottles
Collection and return service for Schools of Chemistry and Biology and Worsley Building. Call Steve Richardson in Chemistry on x34177, or Sue Keat, x36119. Remember to include cardboard packaging.

CDs, floppy discs and tapes
Box these up, label clearly and call Estates to arrange for a collection by Cleaning Services on x35555.

Computers, monitors and other electrical equipment
Please call Estates to arrange for a collection by Cleaning Services on x35555.

Construction Waste
The University has signed up to the UK’s Construction Commitment to halve construction waste to landfill by 2010. Further information can be found at http://www.wrap.org.uk/construction/halving_waste_to_landfill/index.html

Drinks and food cans
Use the office recycling bins. Please rinse out!

Fluoroescent tubes
See Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes

Food waste
Use composting bins provided in campus kitchens and recycling areas. Contact Janet Willis in Cleaning Services on x33434 if you need a compost bin.

Furniture
If you require furniture or wish to advertise surplus items, please use the online furniture reuse network: http://lists.leeds.ac.uk/mailman/listinfo/furniture-reuse. This service is free and run by Michael Howroyd in Estates Services on x37375 [M.A.Howroyd@leeds.ac.uk]. A small charge is made for admin/collection/delivery. Contact Eric Horsfield on x35945 to arrange collection/delivery.

If you have items that need re-upholstery, Thackers UK are a Leeds-based company that can provide a number of services including: re-upholstery of chairs, re-varnishing of tables, desks and cupboards and powder-coating services. Prices are far cheaper than new replacement and include collection and delivery. Telephone number: 0113 276 5552 and email: info@thackersuk.com .

If you are replacing broken or damaged furniture, first consider if the items are still covered by the supplier warranty. Details of all contracts can be found by visiting the website: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/purchasing/UoL/contracts/contractsbysupplier.htm or you can contact your supplier for details. Warranties run from between 5-25 years depending on the supplier.

If you are replacing broken or damaged furniture with brand new items, please request that the supplier takes the items away free of charge upon delivery, when ordering. The supplier will also take all packaging away free of charge, if requested when ordering. If you have any problems with this service, contact Michael Howroyd on x37375.

Glass
Use the office recycling bin.

For larger pieces of glass, including cupboard doors, window panes, etc, please contact Eric Horsfield on x35945.

Ink cartridges and toners
Store these in your school/department for collection.

Light bulbs (including low energy bulbs) and fluorescent tubes
Call Estates Helpdesk on x35555.

Miscellaneous
If you have any suggestions for items not mentioned in this list, please contact Michael Howroyd on x37375.

Packaging
When ordering new items ensure that the supplier removes all packaging on delivery, or on the next delivery if not practical at the time of delivery. Agreements exist with most main University suppliers including Dell for computers and all furniture suppliers to remove packaging in this way. If you have any problems with this service, please contact Central Purchasing on x34102 or Michael Howroyd on x37375.

Paper (Confidential)

A copy of The Disposal Procedure for Confidential Waste Paper which provides information on how to dispose of such waste is also available for download.

Paper (Non Confidential)
Use the office paper recycling bins for any kind of paper including used paper towels.
If you have a large amount of paper, confidential paper, or an office clearout, please call Estates to arrange for a collection by Cleaning Services on x35555.

Plastics
Use the office recycling bins for any kind of plastic as long as it is clean.

Toners
See Ink cartridges and toners