A slice of sustainability: How UCL turned pizza waste into recycling wins

UCL diverted an estimated 120 kg of waste from incineration through a new pizza box recycling initiative developed with Gather + Gather, Sustainable UCL, and Estates. The project introduced dedicated clear signage and nearby food‑waste bins to support the existing pizza box bins on the South Quad, to prevent contamination. Clean boxes could then be recycled rather than sent for disposal. 

Between September 2025 and January 2026, the trial successfully recycled around 120 kg of pizza boxes. With high engagement and clear evidence of impact, the scheme will now expand to other appropriate areas across campus, including the Wilkins Refectory. The continuation and wider rollout is expected to divert over 288 kg of cardboard (roughly 3,000 pizza boxes) from incineration each year. 

Recycling remains essential to reducing UCL’s environmental goals, and its success depends on everyday actions from staff and students. Removing leftover food and keeping containers clean ensures they can be recycled rather than discarded. Rinse it, then recycle it. Small actions stop big waste. 

Recycling is more important now then ever and UCL cannot recycle effectively without support from its staff and students. When disposing of waste remember to remove any food that may contaminate the containers. 

Empty it, then recycle it! Small actions stop big waste.