News Centre

Cleaning up our recycling act

11 May 2011

(l-r) Cosimo Montagu, Alec Care, Professor Tim Wess, David Shepherd

Thirty-six new external waste and recycling bins have been installed across the University’s Cathays campus by the University’s Estates Division, thanks to a Wales Public Sector Waste Minimisation Resource Efficiency grant.

Currently 40 per cent of the waste from the Cathays campus is recycled via the University’s office recycling scheme. The new bins could add a further two - five per cent to this already impressive recycling rate, putting the University on track to meeting the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) target of 70 per cent by 2025.

The distinctive, robustly-designed bins will allow staff, students and visitors to deposit any mixed recyclable items, including paper, plastic, glass, and cardboard. The bins also have a partition for general waste which cannot be recycled.

The new bins were launched ahead of the Welsh Assembly Government’s ‘Wales Sustainability Week’ by Pro Vice-Chancellor for Estates, Professor Tim Wess, Cleaning Services Officer David Shepherd from the University’s Estates Division, along with Students’ Union representatives Cosimo Montagu, Societies, Events and Activities Officer and Alec Care, Environmental and Ethical Officer.

Professor Wess said: "We’re aiming high with the installation of the new bins in our attempts to reduce waste and encourage everyone to think about recycling. The WAG targets are challenging but they are achievable if we all get into the habit of depositing our waste responsibly."

The waste and recycling bins contribute to the University’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development in its management of operations and engagement with stakeholders.

Wales Sustainability Week (14 – 21 May) is a Welsh Assembly Government initiative encouraging people to take specific action to help Wales become a more sustainable nation. You can read more about what the University is doing to support Wales Sustainability Week here.

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