Recycling and Waste A to Z

A /B / C/ D/ E/F / G / H/ I/ L/ M / N / O/ P/ R/ S/ T/ V/ W/ X/

A

Aerosol

Aerosol cans that are partially or completely full are classified as hazardous waste. To arrange a collection, fill in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). Completely empty cans can be placed in mixed recycling bins.

Air filters

These are hazardous waste. To arrange a collection, fill in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

Aluminium foil 

Scrunch up used foil into a ball approximately the size of a tennis ball before placing it in the mixed recycling bin to ensure it is recycled correctly. 

Animal carcasses

Disposal can be arranged via the University’s framework clinical waste via Sharpsmart. Contact SSmit@Sharpsmart.co.uk. Your department may use another supplier for anatomical waste collections. 

Asbestos

If you suspect you have asbestos to dispose of, please contact the Estate Management Control Centre on ext. 37784.

B

Batteries

 Classified as hazardous waste. Please dispose of them via Tradebe. Battery collection boxes are located on-site. Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

Bicycles 

Unwanted bikes can be donated to OWL Bikes, which provides vocational training for disabled and disadvantaged individuals by refurbishing and selling bikes. Another option is Re-Cycle, which also accepts bicycle donations. 

Biohazardous waste 

Books 

Donate unwanted books (academic or otherwise) to Simply Textbook (simplytextbook.co.uk), or to local charity shops. 

Bottles (chemicals and solvents)

 Empty, decontaminated bottles can go in mixed recycling bins. Contaminated bottles must be disposed of via Tradebe. Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

Bottles (plastic) 

 Ensure they are empty before placing them in mixed recycling bins.

Brochures 

Place these in the paper/card recycling bin.

Bubble wrap

 Not widely recyclable. Avoid using bubble wrap where possible, or reuse it. Dispose of in the non-recycling bin if no other options are available.

C

Cans 

Ensure they are empty before placing them in the mixed recycling bin.

Cardboard

Flatten boxes and place them in the paper and card recycling bin. 

Carrier bags

 Not widely recyclable. Opt for durable, reusable bags instead. Dispose of unwanted carrier bags in the non-recycling bin. 

CDs 

Restore Technology can securely dispose of CDs. Find the collection form on our dedicated electronic waste page. 

Chemicals

 This includes water treatment chemicals, biocides, and other residues. To arrange collection, fill out the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

Cleaning materials

Opt for reusable or refillable cleaning products to reduce waste. Empty cleaning bottles can be placed in mixed recycling bins. 

Cling film

 Not widely recyclable. Dispose of it in the non-recycling bin. 

Clinical waste

 Refer to the Safety Office website for guidance. 

Coffee capsules

 Check with your supplier for a dedicated recycling scheme. As a last resort, place capsules in the non-recycling bin. Consider switching to a bean-to-cup coffee machine to reduce waste. 

Coffee cups (paper)

Paper cups contain plastic linings. Dispose of them in the non-recycling bin. Compostable and biodegradable cups should also be placed in the non-recycling bin. 

Cold packs/freezer packs

Reuse where possible or advertise them on WarpIt. For disposal, check the materials with the manufacturer and consult the Safety Office if necessary. Plastic covers should be placed in the non-recycling bin. 

Compostable packaging (for exmaple:Vegware)

Empty contents into the food bin and dispose of the packaging in the non-recycling bin. Compostable packaging should not go into food waste bins as it is removed at the processing facility and landfilled.  

Computer equipment 

Advertise usable but unwanted devices on WarpIt. All Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Check how to recycle and dispose of different materials, including hazardous waste and electronics.must be disposed of via Restore Technology. This service is free for departments. Fill out the IT WEEE Collection Form on the WEEE webpage. 

Confidential waste

Email Facilities Management, which provided a confidential paper recycling service. Ensure compliance with the waste duty of care if your department uses an external supplier. 

Construction waste

Email Facilities Management to arrange construction waste skips via the University framework contract with Ellgia.  

Crisp packets

Empty contents into the food bin and place the packet in the non-recycling bin. 

Crockery

 Reusable crockery can be listed on WarpIt or donated to charity shops. Non-reusable crockery should go in the non-recycling bin.

D

Drink cans

 Empty and place in mixed recycling bins. 

Disposable cutlery

Avoid single-use cutlery in favour of reusable alternatives. Dispose of disposable cutlery in the non-recycling bin.

E

Electrical waste

 Refer to guidance on the WEEE page.

Envelopes

Place in the paper/card recycling bin.

F

First Aid equipment

InterCare, a charity, can accept healthcare goods provided they have at least six months before their expiry date. A simple registration form must be completed before sending items via post. More information is available on the InterCare website. 

Fluorescent tubes

 Fluorescent tubes, UV lamps, mercury lamps, and sodium lamps are classified as hazardous waste. These should only be disposed of via the University’s official hazardous WEEE waste route. Collection coffins and designated points are available on most sites. To arrange a collection, fill out the hazardous electrical waste collection online form.

Food waste (including tea bags)

Place all food waste, including tea bags, in the designated food waste bin. 

Fridges/Freezers

To arrange a collection, fill out the hazardous electrical waste collection online form. Ensure any necessary decontamination procedures for non-domestic appliances have been completed, and attach the appropriate Health and Safety Officer form directly to the appliance. 

Furniture 
Reuse is encouraged through the University’s internal reuse platform, Warp It and the furniture relocation service.
If reuse is not possible, here are companies that collect furniture: 

Furniture beyond repair should not be placed in trade bins but disposed of via a skip. Facilities Management can assist in arranging skip hire, including a Persistent Organic Pollutant skip at Laundry Farm to minimise disposal costs. 
Note: Waste produced by University departments is classified as 'trade waste' and cannot be taken to household waste and recycling centres. 
Ensure the following when disposing of furniture: 

  1. Obtain appropriate paperwork from the waste removal service to fulfil the University's duty of care and prevent fly-tipping. 

  2. Follow departmental procedures for asset disposal, particularly for high-value items.

G

Garden waste

 Please email Facilities Management to organise a garden waste skip to suit your needs, from the University approved supplier (Ellgia).

Glass

  • No chemical or biological contamination, not broken, not borosilicate – Place in glass, metal, plastic recycling bin.
  • No chemical or biological contamination, not broken, borosilicate – Place in non-recycling bin.
  • No chemical or biological contamination, broken – Can be placed inside a cardboard glass disposal container and put in the non-recycling bin.
  • Chemically or biological contaminated glass – use appropriate contract for either chemical or clinical waste.

Gloves (non-contaminated) – Dispose of non-contaminated gloves in the non-recycling bin.

H

Hazardous chemical waste 

For disposal and related queries: 

I

Ice packs

Refer to guidance under cold packs. 

Ink cartridges 

Refer to guidance under printer cartridges. 

IT equipment

Refer to guidance under computer equipment.

L

Lab equipment (miscellaneous) 

Equipment no longer in use that is not classified as hazardous and complies with fire regulations should be offered to other University departments via the internal reuse platform, Warp It. The University's Equipment Sharing Project also enables sharing of underused equipment. 

For unused, obsolete, or broken lab equipment occupying valuable space, UniGreenScheme provides a removal and resale service. They collaborate directly with departments, collect and store items, resell them, and share a portion of the proceeds. 

Old or broken electrical lab equipment must be disposed of through the WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) route. Use the relevant online forms available on the WEEE page. 

Lightbulbs 

Different types of lighting require specific disposal methods: 

  • Fluorescent lighting (glass tubes and compact fluorescent lamps): Contains mercury and must be disposed of as hazardous waste via Tradebe. Most University sites have coffin boxes for these bulbs. Fill in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

  • Filament bulbs: Dispose of in non-recycling bins. Wrap securely to prevent injury to waste operatives in case of breakage. 

  • LED lights: Classified as electronic waste and must be disposed of using the Domestic WEEE less than 25kg form on our dedicated WEEE page.

M

Magazines/catalogues

Dispose of these in the paper/card bin. 

Metal

To organise a metal skip, email Facilities Management. Be cautious of businesses offering free scrap metal collection—verify their documentation via the Environment Agency's public register webpage. 

Mobile phones

The University's IT waste contractor can recycle mobile phones. Use the IT electrical waste collection form on our dedicated WEEE page. Alternatively, defunct phones can be donated to charities like Little Lives Children’s Charity.

N

Newspaper

Dispose of newspapers in the paper/card bins.

O

Oil 

Waste engine oil, machinery oil, or waste fuel oil produced by the University is classified as hazardous waste. It should be stored carefully in compliance with relevant legislation. To dispose of oil, fill in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). Oily rags, oil drums, and other oil-contaminated items are also hazardous and should be treated accordingly.

P

Paint

Community RePaint (https://communityrepaint.org.uk) is an award-winning initiative that redistributes usable paints to those in need, preventing unnecessary landfill. The nearest scheme is in March. Note: they do not accept paint thinners, strippers, varnishes, wood stains, or specialist paints. Paint 360 is another disposal option. 

If the paint is oil-based and in liquid form, it may be classified as hazardous waste due to its flammability. In this case, dispose of it as chemical waste by filling in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). Ensure that containers are tightly sealed. 

To simplify disposal, separate water-based and oil-based paint wastes. Water-based paints are generally non-hazardous unless otherwise specified on the label. Dried or empty containers with water-based paint should be disposed of in the non-recycling bins. 

Paint tins

If the packaging previously contained hazardous materials (e.g., paint tins, oil drums), dispose of them as hazardous waste by filling in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). If thoroughly cleaned, they may be disposed of as non-hazardous waste in non-recycling bins.

Pallets

 Pallet skips are available at the following locations: Island site Addenbrookes, Old Addenbrookes site, Downing Site, Sidgwick Site, and West Cambridge site. A code is required to access these skips; please email Facilities Management. 

Paper 

Use the paper/card recycling bins for paper waste. 

Paper towels

To be disposed of in the non-recycling bin.

Pens

Pens should be disposed of in the non-recycling bin. 

Pesticides

Unused pesticides, diluted pesticides, sprayer washings, and empty containers are hazardous chemical waste and should be disposed of by filling in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). Minimise pesticide waste by estimating quantities in advance. Check with the supplier to see if they will accept return of empty containers; otherwise, thoroughly rinse and dispose of them as hazardous waste. 

Photographic materials 

Photographic processing generates a variety of chemical waste, which should be disposed of as chemical waste by filling in the Tradebe Collection form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side). 

Plastic

The best strategy is to reduce plastic use at the source. Consider switching to reusable alternatives or work with suppliers to reduce packaging. Some suppliers offer take-back schemes, including: 

  • Pipette Tip Wafers and Racks: Departments using disposable pipette tips can recycle the plastic wafers and racks. These are ground into polypropylene pellets and reused. STARLAB UK offers free collection containers and arrangements. A poster and bin label for this scheme are available. 

  • Expanded Polystyrene Boxes: New England Biolabs provides free return labels for these items. 

  • Coffee Pods: Nespresso offers 'take-back' collections for coffee machine pods. 

For general plastics: 

  • Plastic Bags/Wrap: Non-recycling bin. 

  • Plastic Bottles: Mixed recycling bin. 

  • Polystyrene: Non-recycling bin. 

  • Post-it Notes: Non-recycling bin. 

Printer cartridges

Integrated printer cartridges can be collected with printers through the University’s approved IT items-only collection service with Restore Technology. Use the IT WEEE Collection form on our dedicated WEEE page.

R

Refurbishment waste

If you have a building clearance, decant, refurbishment, or decommissioning project, you can add surplus assets to the University's Warp It system for redistribution. Warp It can manage the redistribution of assets both internally (where appropriate) and externally. For further options, refer to guidance under furniture. 

Rubber bands

Place in the non-recycling bin.

S

Sandwich boxes

Place in the mixed recycling bin. Any leftover food should be placed in the food bin. 

Sharps

Returnable sharps should be collected via the University’s framework contract with Sharpsmart. Contact SSmit@sharpsmart.co.uk to arrange collection. Your department may have its own arrangements for the collection of sharps.

Shredded paper 

Shredded paper must be bagged and placed in a non-recycling waste bin.

Stamps

Several charities accept used postage stamps to raise funds for their causes. Two examples include the Bone Cancer Research Trust, Kidney Care, and Canine Partners. 

Stamp pads

Ideally, stamp pads should be re-inked or refilled. If re-inking isn’t possible, dispose of them in the non-recycling waste bin.  

Stationery

If stationery is still usable but unwanted, consider advertising it on Warp It. To reduce waste, minimise the amount produced through careful stock control and ordering. Stationery amnesties can also help staff return unused stationery from desk drawers to a central location.

T

Tea bags 

Place in the food bin.

Tetrapak

Empty and place in the mixed recycling bin. 

Textiles 

Donate usable textiles to charity, such as via your nearest British Heart Foundation (BHF) collection bin. Textiles beyond repair should go into general waste skips. 

Tissue paper

To be disposed of in the non-recycling bin.

Toner cartridges

 Fill in the Tradebe Collection online form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

V

Vapes

Fill in the Tradebe Collection online form (select the “Hazardous Waste Form” on right hand side).

Vegware

 Refer to guidance under compostable packaging.

W

Water filter cartridges

Contact your supplier to arrange take-back. Water filter cartridges are not suitable to be placed into the plastic/metals/glass recycling bin. 

WEEE

WEEE refers to electrical waste, categorised as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment. Refer to guidance on the WEEE page.

White goods

Refer to guidance on the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) page.

Wipes

Do not dispose of wipes in toilets, as they cause blockages. Use the non-recycling bins or sanitary bins if in a toilet setting. The best option is to use reusable options—one University department has set up self-cleaning stations with spray bottles and microfiber cloths for staff/students, and regularly washes the cloths overnight. 

Wood

A skip can be arranged for large amounts of wood. Please email Facilities Management. Small amounts of wood (such as pencil shavings) should go in the non-recycling bins. 

Wooden stirrers

Wood stirers should be placed in the non-recyclables bin. 

Wrapping

Refer to guidance under plastic.

Writing instruments

Refer to guidance under pens.

X

X-ray film

 X-ray film, which is mostly plastic, should go in the non-recycling bin.