Tips, tricks and the importance of proper waste disposal

When items are recycled properly, we significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and give materials like paper, plastic, glass and metal a second life. 

However, when the wrong items are put in the recycling bin, the whole batch can end up being thrown away instead! That means all the effort from everyone else is wasted too (so if you're ever in doubt, leave it out). 

Getting it right helps to:

• Cut down on waste sent to landfill
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Conserve natural resources
• Combat climate change
• Keep your flat cleaner and fresher (no more smelly bins!) 

Did you know? 20% of waste in accommodation is recycled, which is lower than what the University as a whole recycles which is 34%. This is much lower than the rate of household recycling in the UK (around 44% in 2024).

This is why it's essential that you and your flatmates know how to properly dispose of your household waste.

So let's break it down. 

The best waste is no waste! A lot of us think recycling is the most sustainable thing we can do, but the best option is to ask yourself 'Do I actually need this?' before something ever reaches your bin. 

If we don't buy or produce something, we're saving the materials and energy that would've gone into making it. For example bananas sometimes come in plastic bags, which is unnecessary since they already have their own natural packaging. 

A big thing nowadays is to follow fashion trends, which are often short lived. This can lead to being tempted to buy cheaper clothes that are often poor quality and may end up in landfill quickly. A better alternative to keeping your look fresh without adding waste could be borrowing from friends, rewearing your favourite items, or finding something second hand.

Since spending is not entirely unavoidable, the next best option is to reduce how much we buy, and how much waste comes with what you buy. 

Here's some simple tips to follow: 

• Only buy foods you're going to eat, rather than buying in bulk (and avoid the temptation of impulse buying!)
• Buy fewer notebooks and pens throughout the year (buy one and use it until it's full)
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room, especially in halls when they're often left on for no reason

Small habits like these in every day life can really make a difference. 

Help give your things a longer life by trying to give it a second job. 

• Repurpose containers – glass jars are great for storing leftovers, pasta, snacks and stationary. 
• Second hand comes first – give your course books to other students, and buy and sell on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Vinted and Depop. 
• Share – if you're in a shared flat, share things like baking trays, games and tools instead of buying five of everything. 

Reusing keeps stuff circulating and can even delay it from becoming waste at all. 

One pitfall in recycling is that people don't always know what can and can't be recycled. There are certain items that can't be recycled even though they seem like they can, such as pizza boxes which can't be recycled due to the grease on them. 

The biggest causes of contamination in recycling are food, black plastics and coffee cups. Making sure you clean and dry your plastics, such as milk cartons, helps with this. Black plastics can't be recycling in Leicester, and coffee cups can only be recycled in recycling centres, one of which is in Freemen's! 

Most large stores also have recycling bins for batteries, including the Asda in Oadby and Morrison's near The City. So no matter where you are, there's nearby spots for all your waste. 

Want to find out more? Look out for our sustainability events throughout the year (some that include great prizes!) via email and @uolreslife.