Did you know that the University of Plymouth is a leading, award-winning university for sustainability?
The University has worked hard to create a sustainable campus that reduces our impact on the environment through a number of sustainability policies, initiatives and activities.
Many of the sustainable strategies used on campus may not be apparent to most students and staff, however, one of the more obvious sustainable practices that can be spotted all over campus is the University’s commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Waste and recycling on campus.
The University has implemented many waste and recycling zones on campus in an effort to reduce the amount of waste generated, reuse where possible, and to dispose of waste correctly to ensure as much waste is recycled as possible. This includes specialist recycling zones for items such as batteries and vapes.
Where can you recycle batteries on campus?
There are many locations on campus where you can dispose of used batteries, including in the campus library, RLB, inside the SU, and in Nancy Astor.
Why is disposing of batteries correctly so important?
Disposing of used batteries properly is very important due to the toxic materials within the batteries which can pose serious threats to human health and the environment. Batteries which are discarded in regular waste bins will end up in landfills where the toxic materials can leak into soil and risk reaching our water supply.
Two of the SU battery recycling points (1st and 2nd floor).
Where can you recycle vapes around campus?
More recently, new vape recycling bins have been introduced around campus. There are currently three locations you can dispose of vapes: in the library, outside of the Hive (SU), or inside the SU Shop.
Why is disposing of vapes correctly so important?
Recycling vapes not only reduces the volume of waste but also conserves valuable resources like lithium. These materials can be recovered and reused, reducing the need for extracting raw resources.
Two vape recycling points: library entrance and SU Shop.
University of Plymouth Sustainability Map
You can find a complete list of where to dispose of batteries, vapes, and other recycling, as well as locations for EV charging and water fountains, on the University of Plymouth Sustainability Map: University of Plymouth Sustainability Map – Google My Maps.
University of Plymouth Sustainability Map: vape and battery recycling points
Where to dispose of more common recycling on campus?
The University has a mixed recycling collection scheme, meaning that all recyclable materials (except glass) can be mixed together in the same recycling bin across main campus in the hope that it will remove any confusion about which bin to use, and hopefully increase the number of recyclables diverted from the waste stream.
Did you know?
There is a University Recycling Centre on campus with a dedicated team of staff who manage all waste collected from the bins on campus. This location is a hub of activity where the team collect the waste from the bins around campus.
How can you get more involved and support the University’s commitment to sustainable practices on campus?
There are three key things you can do to help us reduce our waste across campus:
- Reduce the waste you produce and use a reusable drinks bottle or coffee cup – refill locations can be found on our Google map.
- Ensure you and your peers are putting the right waste in the right bins. Students and staff can view our What Goes Where page and then take our Recycling Quiz to help strengthen your knowledge on what can be recycled on campus.
- Contact your representatives at the student union, UPSU, to voice feedback on the university’s plans, either via the Sabbatical Officers or the Part Time Environment & Sustainability Officer.
Find out more ways to get involved in sustainability
Want to learn more about the University’s environment and sustainability practices?
Visit the University of Plymouth Environment & Sustainability Waste & Recycling SharePoint: Waste & Recycling (sharepoint.com)
Get in touch with the Sustainability Team at sustainability@plymouth.ac.uk
Join the Environment and Sustainability network!
Are you passionate about the environment and want to put this into action during your time at university?
The Environment and Sustainability network is your go to place for all things green, whether it be sustainability campaigns, finding out about volunteering opportunities or just meeting like-minded fellow students who also want to make a difference.
Find out more and join the Environment and Sustainability network here.