Zero waste

Waste less, reuse more and recycle effectively to meet the University's Zero Waste strategy targets.

The University has made some big commitments to become more resource efficient, and students and staff are central to making it happen. #ZeroWasteUoE aims to show students and staff how to waste less, reuse more and recycle effectively.

What is resource efficiency?

Using the Earth’s limited resources in a sustainable manner while minimising impacts on the environment. It allows us to create more with less and to deliver greater value with less input.

What can you do?

We'd like all students and staff to learn how to waste less, reuse more and recycle effectively, and encourage others to do the same. The #ZeroWasteUoE campaign aims to give you all the information - and inspiration - you need to do so.

Here are our top tips for helping the University become zero waste.

Learn how to recycle effectively

Brush up on what can and can't be recycled at the University by learning more about University recycling bins and the City of Edinburgh Council's recycling bins.

Reuse where possible

By choosing to reuse items, you can significantly reduce the waste you produce at the University. 

Design out waste

Reusables are a great way of preventing personal waste, but what about waste from other University activities?

Be a zero waste champion

Everyone can help us achieve #ZeroWasteUoE. Why not set your office a challenge to go single use plastic free for a week, or see who can produce the least waste in your shared accommodation? 

What is the University doing?

The University has made many commitments to help it become more resource-efficient:

• A vision to become a Zero Waste University by 2030
• Embedding a Circular Economy approach to resources
• Putting waste prevention, reuse and recycling at the forefront of our relationship with resources
• Striving to be disposable plastic-free by 2030 (non-essential single-use plastics)

These are outlined in the University's Waste Strategy and Implementation Plan for 2018/19 - 2022/23.

Topic: waste and the circular economy