Waste

Three recycling bins

 

 

In April 2024 the Welsh Government introduced the Workplace Recycling Legislation. The law requires all workplaces, including businesses, public bodies and the third sector, to separate these recyclable materials from their general waste.

  • Food leftovers or waste generated by food preparation
  • Paper and card such as old newspapers and envelopes, delivery boxes and packaging 
  • Metal, plastic, and cartons and other similar packaging (for example coffee cups)
  • Glass such as drinks bottles and food jars
  • Unsold textiles such as clothing and non-clothing
  • Unsold small waste electrical and electronic equipment (sWEEE)

 Let's all do our part to keep our campus and our planet clean and green. Together, we can make a difference. Let's get it sorted!

What waste bins are available across the University?

  • Blue labelled paper and cardboard bins
  • Red labelled plastic and packaging bins
  • Glass bins in outside bin stores and halls of residence kitchens
  • Food caddies in kitchens and food outlets
  • Black labelled general waste bins
  • A bin for used vapes is available on the main piazza, just outside the Student Union building
  • Battery Bins are around the campus buildings
  • Used Clothes banks are available in PJM Just beside the Amenity block), Cwrt Mawr (opposite block L) and beside Cledwyn Building
  • Sanitary Bins are available in bathrooms

Other specialised waste bins are available when requested from Facilities@aber.ac.uk.

How do I know what goes into each bin?

Each of the main waste stream bins has signage beside it to help you identify what does and what doesn’t go into each bin, here is a summary:

What happens to my food waste in Wales?

Here is Dirty Vegan Matt Pritchard to show you what happens to your food waste Food waste is powerful. Be Mighty, Recycle your food waste.

The Wales Food Waste Routemap can explain more Wales Food Waste Routemap | WRAP - The Waste and Resources Action Programme.

How can I dispose of confidential waste?

E mail Facilities@aber.ac.uk for confidential waste bags to be delivered to you. Email us again when they are filled and sealed, and we will collect them.

Confidential waste is collected by Dab Cymru, they recycle all of the paper they shred and it is turned into e.g. tissue paper.

What happens to my waste and recycling?

Waste is collected as follows:

Paper, card, plastics, packaging and any residual waste is collected by 

Biffa

Food and Glass is collected by

LAS Recycling

Batteries are collected by

Ecobat Battery

Confidential Waste and shredded paper is collected, shredded and recycled by

DIB Cymru

Sanitary waste is collected by

PHS

 

Does shredded paper go into paper recycling?

Shredded paper can be collected by our team of porters along with confidential waste.

Please contact facilities@aber.ac.uk to arrange pick up.

How can I reduce my food waste?

Who can I contact if I have recycling questions?

Email Facilities@aber.ac.uk or ask any of your cleaning and portering teams.

What happens to the things students leave behind when they move out of halls?

As the academic year draws to a close, many of our students begin the process of moving out of University Halls. And just like any move, this often means sorting through belongings and deciding what stays and what goes.

But what happens to the items that are no longer needed?

Donation Stations: Giving Items a Second Life

Across our Halls of Residence, Donation Stations are set up to collect reusable items. These stations are a great way to reduce waste and support the community. Some items are picked up by other students, while others are donated to fantastic local organisations, including:

What About the Rest?

Not everything can be reused. Students are encouraged to sort their waste responsibly into:

  • Paper and card
  • Plastic, metal and cartons
  • Food waste
  • Glass

These materials are placed in designated recycling bins in their bin stores.

General Waste Management

Some general waste is inevitable. This is collected by Biffa, our waste management partner. The good news? It doesn’t go to landfill. Instead, it’s taken to a sorting plant where recyclable materials are recovered (estimated to be up to 80%), and the remaining waste is sent for energy recovery through incineration.

This process not only helps reduce our environmental impact but also supports local charities and students. So, thank you to everyone who donates, recycles, and helps make our campus more sustainable!