Recycling and waste
Find out how you can reduce, reuse and recycle the items that you no longer need.
None of our main waste at the University of York goes to landfill. We are committed to minimising waste by embracing the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle as much as we can. Find out how you can contribute to these efforts on campus.
What should I do with my waste?
We are committed to reducing our waste through a circular economy approach. Remember the waste hierarchy before throwing away: Reduce, reuse and recycle. Before you throw an unwanted item away, consider whether it’s something that could be donated or reused. If that’s not an option, recycle it if possible.
Reduce
Do you really need to buy it? Save unnecessary waste and save yourself money too.
Reuse
Before throwing something in the bin, think whether you can donate it or use it for another purpose.
Recycle
If you can't reduce or reuse it, recycle as much as possible.
Reduce and reuse
Find out how you can reduce what you consume, donate or reuse something before throwing it away.
Recycling and waste guide
Check out our A-Z recycling and waste guide for the best ways to dispose of your unwanted items on campus.
Our achievements
58%
of main waste at the University was recycled in 2023/24.
41 tonnes
of waste was reused through the WarpIt system.
Over £250,000
has been saved through using the WarpIt scheme.
Zero, zilch, nada
None of our main waste generated at the University goes to landfill.
Over 1,500,000 cups
Saved from being disposed of by the YORCUP scheme since 2019.
Over £136,000
Raised by the latte levy to be reinvested in sustainable initiatives.
What we’re doing: Our strategic goal
Our strategic goal, as set out in our Sustainability Plan 2021 - 2030, is to become a natural resource efficient university, minimising the amount we consume while reducing the impact of our waste creation. Our targets are as follows:
- Reduce waste volumes from campus (by weight) by 33% by weight by 2030.
- Increase waste recycling rates by weight to 80% by 2030.
