Can I Recycle ...
To make recycling on campus as simple as possible the University has developed 'Can I recycle' to help with most commonly mishandled waste items.
If you can't find the item you're looking for on our A-Z, our Waste Management Team are always on hand to help.
Aerosol Cans
When the cans are completely empty, and as long as they didn't contain anything toxic to start with, then they can be placed in mixed recyclables bin (green).
Aluminium
Cans that held either food or drink can be placed in mixed recycling bins (green), provided they are empty. If the foil is dirty (i.e. has obvious leftover food on it, is sticky, etc.) then it must go into the general bin (black). If the foil is clean it can go in the mixed recyclables bin (green).
Bicycles
Old bicycles can potentially be fixed at the weekly GUEST Bike Hub. Bikes that are no longer needed can be re-used - why not donate it to a charity.
Books
Unwanted books can either be recycled and placed in mixed recycling bins (green) or reused by donating them to friends or a local charity. For course texts why not trying selling them via the SRC Book Shop.
Cardboard
As it is biodegradable, cardboard can be placed in mixed recycling bins (green) around campus. Cardboard includes: packaging, boxes, cards, etc.Carrier Bags
Unfortunately, carrier bags are not recyclable so must be placed in general waste bins (black) - why not try, a reusable alternative.
Coffee Cups
Unfortunately coffee cups are not, though they are paper on the outside; to avoid leakage the have a plastic coating on the inside, making them non-recyclable, and must be placed in general waste bins (black). Why not, reduce waste and the cost of your coffee by getting yourself a KeepCup, available at University Food Outlets.
Confidential Paper
Any paper within the University that contains sensitive and confidential information must be disposed of in a sensitive manner, and can be placed in the 'SHREDALL' confidential waste bins (white). This contract is held by the William Tracey Group - universityofglasgow@wmtracey.co.uk.
Data Storage Devices
As long as there is no confidential data on the data storage device they can be recycled via CCL North - collections@cclnorth.com. In order to do so you must put in a collection request and arrange for the device to be collected.
DVDs and CDS
DVDs and CDs that do not contain sensitive or private information, and their cases can be separated for recycling; the paper inserts can be placed in mixed recycling bins (green). DVDS and CDs must be collected via CCL North - collections@cclnorth.com for recycling, for this you will need to put in a collection request. Alternatively, if they can be reused somewhere else in the University they can be placed on WARPit.
Disposable Gloves
Plastic dispoable gloves used in labs, food prep, etc. must be placed in the general waste bins (black), as they are non-recyclable.
Electrical/ Electronic Equipment
The University safely disposes of its electrical/electronic equipment via CCL North - collections@cclnorth.com. This equipment should only be disposed of it is no longer in a usable condition. If there is electrical/electronic equipment that is in good usable condition list it on WARPit so it can be redistributed within the University.
Envelopes
Paper envelopes can be recycled using the mixed recyclables bins (green). Padded envelopes must be placed in general waste bin (black) , as they contain a plastic lining than is not recyclable.
Folders and Binders
If they are made of vinyl or other kinds of plastic, they cannot be recycled and therefore must be placed in a general waste bin (black). However, if they are still in good condition, you can list them on WARPit for reuse elsewhere in the University.
Food Waste
Food waste should be placed in the food waste bins operated by Hospitality Services. Only food should be placed in these bins - University of Glasgow - Food Recycling Locations (pdf) - please recycle or dispose of packaging separately.
Furniture
Glass
Glass containers such as drinks bottles and jars can be recycled in the glassing recycling bins (blue) available near most building around campus - University of Glasgow - Glass Recycling Locations (pdf).
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste collection services are available to relevant management units throughout the University and include arrangements for processing chemical, biological and radioactive waste. These services are managed by the Safety and Environmental Protection Services (SEPS).
Junk Mail
Junk mail can be placed in the Dry Mixed Recycling bins found all around campus.
Laminated Items
Due to the plastic coating, all laminated items are non-recyclable and must be placed in general waste bins (black).
Magazines
Paper of all types, including magazines, can be placed in the Dry Mixed Recycling bins found around campus.
Newspaper
All paper items, including newspaper, can all be placed in the mixed recycling bins (green) found on campus.
Non-Recyclables
Items that are not generally recyclable, including polystyrene, coffee cups, paper towels, composite materials (i.e. wrappers) and mixed materials must be placed in general wate bins (black).
Paper
All paper can be recycled, provided it is clean, dry and non-confidential. Paper is to be placed in mixed recycling bins (green).
Plastic Packaging
Plastic packaging, packing material, plastic bottles, plastic pots and other plastics marked with recycling numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are recyclable and can be placed in mixed recycling bins (green).
Radioactive Waste
Arrangements for processing radioactive waste at the University are managed by the Safety and Environmental Protection Services (SEPS).
Styrofoam
Unfortunately, styrofoam is non-recycleable and must therefore be placed in the general waste bins (black) around campus.
Textbooks
Textbooks you no longer need but can be reused can be sold via the SRC Bookshop.
Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment
Broken electronic appliances, both small and large, are classed WEEE and are handled by CCL North - collections@cclnorth.com . If the appliance is still in good working order and could be used somewhere else within the University it should be listed on WARPit.
Yoghurt Pots
Plastic food containers, such as yoghurt pots, can be placed in mixed recycling bins (green) once empty.