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, however, 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 direct to landfill by instead opting for energy-from-waste.
We aim to:
- reduce the amount of waste generated each year
- increase our recycling rates to 70% by 2031
- maintain that all non-recyclable materials are 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, heavy goods and clinical waste.
In the majority of areas around campus, our waste is split into two waste streams, dry mixed recycling and general waste. Always check any bin signs for direction, but the most common items which should and shouldn’t be put in each waste stream include:
Faq Items
Dry Mixed Recycling
General Waste
We also have designated bins for recyclable items such as vapes and batteries which cannot be put in dry mixed recycling or general waste. These can usually be found in the foyers of our buildings, please ask at the front desk if you can’t see them.
For a full A-Z guide on what and where you can recycle your waste on campus and what each bin accepts, see our waste guides below.
If you can’t find how to correctly dispose of an item of waste or if you’d like more information, email the team at sustainability@ljmu.ac.uk.
How can you help?
To find out what you can do to reduce your waste impact, visit our ‘What can I do’ page.
Waste Communications Competition
We’re holding a competition for students to get creative and make a video or print communication to improve recycling on campus. You have until 14th February 2025 to enter, and winners will receive prizes and have their work shown around campus.
To find out more, read the Waste Competition Briefing Note 24-25 (Word, 42.3KB).
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.