Recycling and Waste FAQs

Q. Why are we changing the system again?

The new four-bin system is required by the Separation of Waste Regulations 2024, which legally mandates businesses with 10 or more full-time employees to separate their waste into four streams.

Q. When will the new system be implemented?

The new system will come into effect on 31 March 2025.

Q. How will this system work in practice?

Each area will have four clearly labelled bins for:

Non-recycling: Items that cannot be recycled.

Mixed recycling: Plastics, glass, and metals (e.g., cans, bottles).

Paper and cardboard: Clean, dry paper and cardboard only.

Food waste: All food scraps, coffee grounds, and tea bags.

Q. Why has this change not been communicated sooner?

The timing of our communication was directly influenced by the release of the guidance note for Simpler Recycling from DEFRA, which was only published recently. Until this official guidance was issued, there was limited detail on the exact requirements of the regulations and their practical implications for institutions like ours.

Given the scale and complexity of implementing these changes across the University, it was critical that we fully understood the requirements before issuing communications. Acting prematurely might have led to miscommunication, inefficiencies, or even unnecessary costs.

Q. How will this impact my department?

Departments will need to make space for the additional bins within their buildings and ensure staff are aware of the changes.

Q. What happens if we do not comply with these regulations?

Failure to comply could result in penalties for the University.

Q. How will staff be supported during this transition?

Providing updated signage: Clear visuals for the new system will be available. Facilities Management will distribute new signage on request. You can also find the signage on the Estates website.

Offering guidance: We’ll also host brief sessions on request to address any concerns.

Procurement advice: The Estates website also contains information on where you can purchase new bins if required.

All changes to the number/type of external bins will be sorted for you by Estates.

Q. What if our external area doesn’t have enough space for four bins?

We can offer either 1100lt euro bins or 240lt wheelie bins in areas with low waste levels or small spaces.

Q. Who will cover the cost of the additional bins?

External bins are funded centrally, departments pick up the cost for internal bins.

Q. How often will each bin be emptied?

This will vary from building to building dependant on expected levels of waste. If you find you are accumulating too much waste, please do contact the Facilities Management office and let us know. facilities.management@admin.cam.ac.uk

Q. What happens if bins overflow or are not emptied on schedule?

If you have been missed, please contact the Facilities Management office facilities.management@admin.cam.ac.uk as soon as possible and they will check on this.

Q. How will compliance be monitored, and will departments be penalised for non-compliance?

Our waste contractor notifies us of any missed collections due to contamination, which we then forward to the relevant personnel to resolve and prevent reoccurrence. Repeated contamination will lead to unemptied bins and costs to departments for collection.

Q. How can we report issues with the bins or collection process?

Please contact the Facilities Management office - facilities.management@admin.cam.ac.uk

Q. How will food waste be managed?

Food waste will continue to be collected separately and sent to specialised facilities for anaerobic digestion, where it can be converted into energy and fertiliser.

Q. How can I provide feedback or raise concerns?

Please contact facilities.management@admin.cam.ac.uk with any feedback or specific challenges. We value your input and are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.

Q. How will you ensure compliance across the University?

We will monitor waste streams regularly and provide feedback to departments as needed. Awareness campaigns will also be conducted to ensure staff understand the importance of proper waste separation.

Q. What happens to the waste once it’s collected?

Food waste collection – Turned into fertiliser and biogas via a process called anaerobic digestion (contaminants sent to landfill)

Paper/card collection – paper recycling facility

Non-recycling collection – incineration with energy recovery

Mixed-recycling collection – separated and recycled (contaminants sent to energy recovery)

Q. Is this system permanent?

The four-bin system aligns with current legislation and national recycling strategies. While further updates could arise as environmental policies evolve, this system is expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

Q. Where will the new bins be located in my building/department?

This is up to your department to decide. We recommend having bin stations in key areas such as canteens, coffee machines and kitchens. Please avoid placing single bins around the building.

Q. What about bin signage?

Clear visuals for the new system will be available. Facilities Management will distribute new signage on request. You can also find the signage on the Estates website.

Q. Can staff use their personal desk bins, or will they need to walk to central collection points?

Personal bins should be removed, these encourage users to place everything in one bin and is not compliant with the new legislation.