Waste Plan

Adopted in 2011, the projects and actions implemented as elements of the Waste Plan have resulted in significant improvements in recycling rates and carbon emissions associated with recycling and waste disposal.

Download the Waste Plan

The Waste Plan sets out the legislative requirements and Â鶹¹ÙÍø drivers, as well as the national and Â鶹¹ÙÍø specific waste management targets. Short, medium and longer-term strategic objectives, structured in respect of the waste hierarchy set out the detail of how Â鶹¹ÙÍø will meet its legislative and internal targets.

Waste Plan
Recycling bins.

Recycling

There has been a significant increase in the recycling rate at Â鶹¹ÙÍø from less than 4% in 2006-07 to 72% in 2018/19. The increase has been primarily driven through the gradual introduction and roll out of segregated collection facilities across the campus.

In 2007-08 approximately 2.5% of waste generated at Â鶹¹ÙÍø was segregated for reuse in a variety of projects. The reuse figure has gradually increased with initiatives such as ¡®Project Exodus’ reuse project significantly increasing reuse rates. Reuse rates increased to over 6% in 2015-16.

Excess coffee being poured into recycling.

Targets and ambitions

Â鶹¹ÙÍø is aims to surpass the UK national targets as set out in the ¡®Waste Framework Directive’ and being implemented through local authorities, and aspires to be a leader in waste reduction and recycling within the HE Sector.

Approximately 2,000 tonnes of waste and recycling are generated at Â鶹¹ÙÍø every year, which works out at 5-6 tonnes per day or 66kg/per person per year. A lot of effort has been put into improving waste and recycling facilities and arrangements, but we need your help to reduce the amount of waste generated and increase reuse and recycling.

Get involved

Launched in 2015 to engage with students and promote sustainability, Green Lancaster has evolved to become a passionate community, committed to tackling the toughest environmental issues of today. The Green Lancaster team host a wide variety of events and initiatives throughout each year to give everyone the chance to get involved.

Image of students supporting Green Lancaster