Waste management at UEL
We aim to reduce the amount of waste disposed of in landfills by decreasing unnecessary consumption and increasing recycling and reusing.
Waste and recycling
Our main waste contractor, Veolia Environmental Services, is working with us to implement a simple, cost-effective system for waste and recycling. This means we can now recycle more and measure our progress. You can also feel confident that your recycling efforts are not wasted.
All the material is compacted on-site and then taken to Veolia's local depots. Mixed recycling goes to their Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Greenwich, where separation ensures maximum recycling rates.
General waste is processed for energy recovery at their SELCHP facility in Lewisham, South East London.
At both Stratford and Docklands campuses, there are twin-stream bins – half for recycling, half for general waste. These bins emphasise the choice between recycling and landfill, making it very clear which materials should go into which bin.
Consequently, very few items (only a few things, such as broken furniture and some building materials) have to go to the landfill. That's where you come in! By making sure you put your rubbish in the correct bin (ORANGE FOR RECYCLING!), you are helping to keep UEL recycling and protecting the environment.
How does it work?
- Orange bags are for recycling; clear bags are for general waste.
- Our recycling system operates with tinted sacks, so it is easy to spot when items have been put in the wrong bin or contaminated.
- Contamination: Putting general waste in the recycling bin contaminates the recycling, so please make sure you dispose of items in the correct bin, just as you would at home.
Unsure about what can and cannot be recycled?
Contact: waste@uel.ac.uk
Email: Mollie Miller, Head of Facilities, m.miller@uel.ac.uk