Waste Prevention and Management

We’re developing a strategy for a more circular economy campus based on the three main pillars of Circular Economy:

We are exploring new ways to reuse items on campus and in the local community:

Donation Drive: The Donation Drive is a project to reduce the environmental impact of move out, by making it easier for students to donate unwanted items before they leave campus. In 2023/24, the project diverted 8.1 tonnes from general waste and avoided approximately 15,000 kgCO2e.
Kitchen Kit Market: The Kitchen Kit Market is the University of Warwick's preloved kitchenware sale for students taking place during Welcome Week at the beginning of each academic year. In 2023/24, over 2 tonnes of kitchenware was redistributed.
Warwick Swap: Warwick Swap facilitates swapping of furniture, white goods and stationery between departments. 726 pieces of equipment were swapped though the scheme so far in 2024.

Where we can’t eliminate waste, we aim to recycle materials for reuse at their highest value.

Be a Recycling Hero Campaign encourages students to minimise their waste and educates them on proper disposal practices. There are separate dry mixed recycling (plastics, cans, etc.), glass, cardboard and paper, and food recycling streams available.
Let’s Ace Food Waste is an educational campaign about minimising food waste and using the new food recycling caddies.
Recycling on Campus page offers information to staff members on how to reuse and swap their unwanted office items and how to dispose of their confidential and WEEE waste.
A-Z Recycling Guide is a useful guide listing the proper disposal routes for a large range of items.

The University is committed to zero direct to landfill.
We are aiming to increase our recycling rates to 60% by 2028.
The University is committed to minimise the use of disposable items and single-use items:
- 101,000 plastic bottles (2.2 tonnes of plastic) avoided
- 12,957 disposable cups saved in Eatwise Test Kitchen

We’re also developing a: