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Questions & answers will appear on this page as & when received & answered.

Please see the Recycling page and the Waste Streams page for more information.

(Website Credit: Laura Waldoch, Digital Services)

Q. Why is this being done now?

Because the University-wide waste management contract has been changed and the current recycling model in the Library does not match this.

Q. What should be done with items not listed on the posters?

Please visit the A - Z Related link or Contact us for further information.

Q. Which bin do I use for what?

The new bins are clearly marked and are accompanied by posters showing what should go in them. If you are in any doubt, please click on the A - Z Related link or Contact us.

Q. When will the new bins be emptied?

The new bins will be emptied to the same schedule as at present - no more than twice a week unless they become full.

Q. Do I need to sort anything?

You only need to ensure that the correct waste - as defined by the posters and the A - Z Related link - is put in the correct bin.

Q. Why is it important to do this?

Waste put into the Blue General Waste bins costs the University twice as much to recycle as waste put into the other waste bins.

Q. Why does paper no longer go in the blue bins?

This was a function of the previous contract. Paper & cardboard should now go in the Green Mixed Recycling bins.

Q. What if I have a large amount of waste or rubbish?

Please email Building Services Helpdesk to arrange for large amounts of waste to be collected.

Q. What about food containers or wrappers?

If the containers or wrappers originate from the Kitchen / Tea Room they are vegware and can be put into the Red Food Waste bins. If they originate from anywhere else, please check the posters.

Q. Does this project build on the work of the Green Futures Group?

The Green Futures Group set up the current recycling model and this project realigns the current internal bins regime so that it matches the new external bins regime.

Q. What about the Gold Green Impact Award the Library won?

The fact that the Library won the Gold Award in 2015-2016 meant that this project could be entered for a Green Impact Excellence Award in 2017-2018, which the Library won.

Q. How about batteries?

Batteries can be sent directly to Estate Management at Laundry Farm via UMS. Please use a small box, no larger than 20cm x 20cm x 20cm, or a padded envelope.

Q. Could we have a lid for the Food Waste bin?

The new bins are as supplied. Extra collections may be possible if warranted. If there is a specific problem, please email Building Services Helpdesk.

Q. Can we move the bins to another location?

Yes. The bins are clipped together and need to be moved together. Please also move the accompanying posters and advise your cleaner.

Q. Where is the Related Link to the A - Z of Recycling?

The link is in the Related links section of the Recycling, Waste Streams and Frequently Asked Questions pages, under both the Contact us and Quick links sections.

Q. What should be done with Post-It / other adhesive note paper?

Whilst technically mixed material, (i.e. Blue General Waste bins), post-it & other adhesive note paper CAN go in the Green Mixed Recycling bins. This is a change from the previously-received advice.

Q. Where is the external bin for unbroken glass?

The white-lidded bin is located outside the building beside the Staff Entrance. It is on the left as you leave the building.

Q. What should be done with bubble wrap?

Bubble wrap on its own should go in the Green Mixed Recycling bins but jiffy bags etc. containing bubble wrap or polystyrene should go in the Blue General Waste bins. See also the next Question.

Q. Which bin should Jiffy bags go into?

Jiffy bags which are cardboard and / or paper only can be recycled in the Green Mixed Recycling bins but Jiffy bags containing bubble wrap or polystyrene must still go in the Blue General Waste bins.

Q. What should be done with garden waste from plants, etc.?

Garden waste, (also known as Green Waste), cannot currently be recycled so it should go in the Blue General Waste bin. This issue is being looked at.

Q. What about recent reports of non-biodegradable tea bags?

Answer from Peter Lumb, University Environment & Energy Team: As our food waste goes to anaerobic digestion, this shouldn’t pose a problem for our tea waste so I would suggest that staff continue to put tea bags into the Red Food Waste bins. We’ve been told by Mick George that any plastic / other non-organics are shredded up and mechanically sifted out prior to going into the anaerobic digestion plant. Obviously the biodegradables within the waste stream will be digested into biogas, while anything non-biodegradable which is removed from this waste stream is sent to energy-from-waste plant (as with our other non-recyclables).

Q. Where should elastic bands and pencil / wood shavings go?

Broken elastic bands and pencil / wood shavings have to go in the Blue General Waste bins.