Simpler Recycling: The way we dispose of waste is changing

From Monday 31 March, new Simpler Recycling legislation means that we need to make two changes to the way we segregate waste on campus. The legislation applies to all businesses (of more than 10 people) in England. Key drivers of the legislative changes are to improve national recycling rates, and to reduce contamination of recycling.

Separate food waste collections will be introduced across campuses, dividing food waste from other waste we produce on campus. In practice, this means that we will be introducing a food waste bins in kitchens and catering outlets.

All food waste should be placed in the food waste bin (which will have a liner inside) – this includes tea bags, coffee grounds, banana skins, food leftovers etc. No food packaging or coffee cups (even if they are compostable) should be put into food waste bins.

Glass recycling will also be introduced across campus. In staff kitchens, any glass bottles or jars for recycling should be left on the side. These will be removed by the cleaners and recycled. There will also be glass recycling bins around campus. Glass must not be disposed of in the mixed recycling bin, it must be segregated from other waste.

Bins for general waste (to dispose of coffee cups, contaminated* food packaging) and for recycling (for paper, card, clean plastics, metal cans etc) will continue to be in use.
*Contaminated food packaging means packaging that has food on it, e.g. a pizza box, or microwave meal plastic container.

Got a question? Please email the Sustainability Team on environment@lincoln.ac.uk.

Story submitted by Claire Lea
clea@lincoln.ac.uk