Waste and Recycling

Reducing waste and making sure waste materials are recycled are essential parts of creating a more sustainable UCL.

Visit the UCL ‘Waste and Recycling’ website for more information.

Packaging & Food

Recycling can be very confusing, but at UCL we try and make it simple. Almost all items can go in the bins marked 'mixed recycling'. Please remember, if an item is contaminated with food/liquid then it cannot be recycled! Putting something in the wrong bin means that the whole stream is then contaminated and must be disposed of as non-recyclable waste. An easy way to rectify this is to wash and dry containers before putting them in the recycling.

Non-recyclable

This bin is for non-recyclable items like food packaging contaminated with liquids or food. These materials are incinerated and the heat they produce is used to generate energy.

Use these bins for:

Packaging or containers contaminated with food or liquids
Chewing gum
Polystyrene
Crisp packets
Compostable or biodegradable plates/cups
Cling film
Coffee cups
Contaminated tissues/hand towels

Mixed recycling

This bin is for almost all dry, food-free, materials. These materials are sorted off-site to ensure that the highest possible amount of recyclable material is retained.

Use these bins for:

Glass (no broken glass or sharp edges)
Paper
Card
Cans
Cartons
Plastic bags
Plastic containers
Paper towels
Basically, almost all dry, food-free materials!

Food only

This bin is for all food products, whether cooked or uncooked. These materials are taken off-site and broken down using an anaerobic digester.

Use these bins for:

Fruit and vegetables
Meat and fish
Tea bags and coffee grounds
Bread
Dairy products
Rice, pasta and beans
Eggs and eggshells

Location in Chemical Engineering

Recycling bins are located in all labs and shared offices. Please contact the sustainability team if you think a room requires a bin.

Other waste

Although most of the waste we generate will fit into one of these three main waste streams, some won't. This other waste may be hazardous, require specialist recycling, or may be unwanted but still usable.

To find out more, visit the UCL other waste webpage.

Nearest bin locations, if applicable, to Chemical Engineering below.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment

What does it cover? This includes (but is not limited to) computer monitors, televisions, fridges, freezers and refrigeration equipment.

For more information visit the UCL waste electrical and electronic equipment website.

Batteries

What does it cover? Batteries only.

Bin location: Roberts Building, Ground Floor foyer

For more information visit the UCL non hazardous waste website.

Toner and print cartridges

What does it cover? Toner and print cartridges.

Bin location: Roberts Building, Ground Floor foyer

For more information visit the UCL non hazardous waste website.