Recycling and waste management

Waste not only has a significant effect on the environment, it also has a financial cost and is one of the most visible areas of sustainability on campus. Waste is a global problem most commonly seen through plastics entering our environment affecting species on land and in our oceans. There is also a carbon impact of waste through the production and reprocessing of materials and end of life treatment.

Striving to minimise waste and increase recycling

Our institutional activities produce several different waste streams, including recyclable materials, general waste, clinical and hazardous waste.

To ensure that we manage our resources and waste responsibly, we follow the waste hierarchy. This strives to avoid and reduce the generation of waste, reusing and repairing where possible and actively promoting recycling. We avoid disposing our operational waste direct to landfill by instead opting for energy-from-waste.

We aim to:

  • reduce the amount of waste generated per person each year
  • increase our recycling rates to 70% by 2031
  • maintain that all non-recyclable operational waste being sent to energy-from-waste treatment
  • collect and monitor our waste data to review our waste practices and progress against targets, and to set new targets

How we are recycling and managing our waste

We have facilities and processes in place to help students and staff dispose of a range of recyclable and non-recyclable waste from paper, cans and batteries to electronics, furniture and clinical waste.

Around campus, our waste is split into a minimum of two waste streams, dry mixed recycling and general waste. We also have food waste bins and paper and card bins available.

For a quick reference, the most common items which we find in our waste streams can be found below. Always check signage for guidance.

Show all sections

Paper and card

Dry mixed recycling

Food waste

General waste

Glass

We also have designated bins for recyclable items such as vapes and batteries which cannot be put in our normal recycling or general waste streams. These can usually be found in the foyers of our buildings, please ask at the front desk if you can’t see them.

If you are unsure how to correctly dispose of an item of waste or if you’d like more information, email the team at sustainability@ljmu.ac.uk

Furniture

If you have unwanted or broken furniture which you need removing, please contact Estate Development and Campus Services helpdesk. We will look to reuse this where possible and this may mean that items which are in working order will need to temporarily remain in-situ while we find an alternative home. Broken items will be removed and taken for furniture recycling.

Please do not move items or place them in corridors where they can become a health and safety issue.

How can you help?

To find out what you can do to reduce your waste impact, visit our ‘What can I do’ page.

Waste off campus

Whether you live in private accommodation or are just spending time off campus, it’s important to consider your neighbours. Littering and disposing of waste incorrectly affects both the environment and the local community, who spend a lot of time trying to clean up their areas and make them a nice place to live for everyone. 

To find out more about any of the above, please visit the Liverpool City Council website.

Tips for waste management and recycling off campus

  • Don’t leave litter behind! If you can’t find a bin, take your waste home with you to avoid littering the streets or community spaces.
  • Know your bin day and which bin is due to be put out when.
  • Know what can and can’t be recycled at home.
  • Pick up litter that is safe to do so and put it into local bins.
  • Be an active citizen and if your friends or people you are with litter, encourage them to pick their waste up and dispose of it correctly.
  • Get involved with a local community group which helps to clean up our city.
  • If you want to organise or join a litter pick with us and know an area which could benefit, email sustainability@ljmu.ac.uk.

To find out more about any of the above, please visit the Liverpool City Council website.