Become a recycling hero for Global Recycling Day

A student throwing a can into a green recycling bin at the UWL campus.

Become a recycling hero for Global Recycling Day

17 March 2023

The theme of this year’s Global Recycling Day, taking place on Saturday 18 March, is #RecyclingHeroes, recognising the people, places and activities that showcase how recycling contributes to an environmentally stable planet and a greener future for all.

With dedicated bins on campus, everyone at UWL has the opportunity to recycle their waste. Recycling allows you to reduce waste while also contributing to a greener future by converting items placed in recycling bins into new materials or even used to generate energy.

UWL’s Head of Environmental Sustainability, Nasrin Khanom says:

For me, Global Recycling Day highlights the opportunity we have to build on our recycling habits across the UWL campuses.”

There are three different bins available – green for mixed recycling, grey for general waste, and red for food waste. However, there is sometimes confusion about what goes in the green mixed recycling bin.

Paper, cardboard, cans and plastic with no liquid or food on them can all go in the green bin; everything else should go in the grey general waste bin. If a coffee cup or food container with liquid or food inside is placed in the green bin, the entire contents of the recycling bin become contaminated and must be disposed of as general waste.

Nasrin adds:

We don’t want anyone’s recycling efforts to be wasted. So, if you’re unsure which bin to use, always use the general waste bin.”

Using reusable cups and bottles is a great way to help combat the waste problem. All of UWL's cafes are happy to serve drinks on a reusable cup, and you will receive a discount on your hot beverage as a result. There are water fountains on-site where you can get free water to drink with a reusable bottle.