Recycling and Waste
Overview of Waste and Resource Management Strategy
The University understands the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment for staff, students and the neighbouring community and as such adopts the waste hierarchy in its Waste and Resource Management Strategy. It recognises that as a priority waste should be prevented, minimised, reused, recycled and recovered for energy before disposal to landfill and subsequently sets targets for waste minimisation, recycling and diversion from landfill.
Summary of recent performance (including awards received)
A number of awards have been received as recognition of the University’s improved performance in waste management including a Green Gown Award in 2009, Hertfordshire Green Business Awards in 2010 and 2011, and a Green Apple Award in 2011.
Summary of recent work undertaken
Since the implementation of the original Strategy various awareness campaigns have taken place and internal facilities have been reviewed and standardised. These initiatives led to recycling rates more than doubling from 32% in 2007/08 to 76% in 2010/11; during 2011/12 the target is to achieve 80% recycling.
In addition to improving recycling rates, waste production per head reduced by 9% between 2008/09 and 2009/10 and in order to further reduce the environmental impact of waste production, the University is increasing focus on waste prevention and minimisation with an aspirational target to reduce production per head by 40% by 2014/15.