Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Thu, 2017-10-26 12:19
In 2015-16 the University disposed of 3,385 tonnes of operational waste, which is the weight of almost two London Eyes! While 1,114 tonnes of this waste was recycled, audits of the composition of waste disposed from University buildings have shown that we can do so much better. Throughout November, the Environment and Energy section and departments across the operational estate will be working together to reduce the amount of waste we produce, and to reuse and recycle the waste we cannot avoid. It's called 'Spotlight on Waste month'.
Why should we reduce the amount of waste that we produce?
Recent news stories tell us that we are producing waste in greater volumes than ever before. Increasingly, this isn’t seen in just the ever-growing mounds of landfill, but in our oceans too. Sending waste to landfill can cause a range of environmental issues, including degrading the quality of land, and polluting groundwater. Waste in our oceans is making its way into marine life’s food chain, and contributing to a loss of biodiversity. Reducing waste also makes sense from a financial point of view: do we need to buy so many items? Can we reuse and recycle more effectively?
What’s happening at the University of Cambridge?
The University has set itself a challenging target to recycle 95% of its waste by 2020. That compares to an actual recycling rate (including construction waste, of which over 95% was recycled) of 74% in 2015/16, with the figure for office waste as low as 34%! Action has already been taken to change the way we treat our waste, meaning that almost no University waste is now being sent to landfill (instead, non-recyclable waste is now turned into a Refuse Derived Fuel). However, much more can be done to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the first place, and to reduce the amount of recycling contamination – a study in 2015 showed that University staff and students put over 1,000 tonnes of recyclable waste into the wrong bins every year, or the weight of two buses every week!
How can you get involved?
- Could your department record, reduce, reuse and recycle to win the Four R’s Challenge?
The Four R’s challenge is designed to help departments identify the problematic wastes in their department and to tackle waste in a structured way, with each week of the month having a specific theme. Departments will do one simple action or activity in each week of the month associated with Recording, Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling. The Environment and Energy team will reward the team that has gone furthest to change behaviour and eliminate/reduce waste. For ideas on what to do each week, see our Four R’s guidance document.
- Check out our guidance!
For more on tackling waste and recycling in your department, why not take a look at our handy guidance document, or visit the Spotlight on Waste webpage. With plenty of examples and case studies to learn from, you are sure to find something that works for you. If you would like to learn more, contact the Environment and Energy section.
- Join the repair revolution and take part in Cambridge’s world record attempt
Extending the life of our products can make a big difference to the amount of waste we produce. Being able to repair is a valuable skill but not one that not many of us have. Luckily though, things are changing! Repairing is making a comeback internationally and at a local level, Cambridge Carbon Footprint hope not only to repair a record number of items at this year’s Circular Cambridge Festival but they will also teach participants how to do their own repairs.
Taking place on 11 November between 10.00am and 6.00pm at the Wesley Methodist Church (CB1 1LG), the event will be a celebration of all things repair and reuse. The day promises to be educational and engaging, and who knows, it may even make you think differently about waste. You can book your item in for repair here.
- Visit one of our waste & recycling events
By understanding which waste goes into which bin we can ensure that much of the waste we produce gets a second life through recycling. The Environment and Energy section will be visiting departments throughout the month to speak with staff and to educate in a fun way through our Waste Roadshows, including waste sorting games and giveaways of items that will reduce the amount of waste you produce. We will be at the Clinical Schools on 9 November, in 17 Mill Lane on 27 November. If you would like us to call in to your site, please get in touch!
- Take part in our Bin Busting audit
Passionate about where our waste goes? Want to know exactly what is getting recycled in the University? Get your hands dirty and join a team of students to work out what we get rid of and how. Make a difference to the University's environmental footprint and become a Living Laboratory for Sustainability Associate. The project will take place on Tuesday 31 October, 12-2.30pm. Email us at environment@admin.cam.ac.uk to get the full lowdown on how to take part.
- Take our recycling quiz!
We've put together a quiz on waste & recycling issues at the University of Cambridge. Test your knowledge, let us know how you did, and be sure to share it with colleagues! One lucky quiz participant will receive a fairtrade bar of chocolate...
- Keep us posted...
Let us know what you've got planned, or send us pictures via email, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter!