Reducing waste and making sure waste materials are recycled are essential parts of creating a more sustainable UCL.
Visit the UCL ‘Waste and Recycling’ website for more information.
Packaging & Food
Non-recyclable
This bin is for non-recyclable items like food packaging contaminated with liquids or food. These materials are incinerated and the heat they produce is used to generate energy.
Use these bins for:
- Packaging or containers contaminated with food or liquids
- Chewing gum
- Polystyrene
- Crisp packets
- Compostable or biodegradable plates/cups
- Cling film
- Coffee cups
- Contaminated tissues/hand towels
Mixed recycling
This bin is for almost all dry, food-free, materials. These materials are sorted off-site to ensure that the highest possible amount of recyclable material is retained.
Use these bins for:
- Glass (no broken glass or sharp edges)
- Paper
- Card
- Cans
- Cartons
- Plastic bags
- Plastic containers
- Paper towels
- Basically, almost all dry, food-free materials!
Food only
This bin is for all food products, whether cooked or uncooked. These materials are taken off-site and broken down using an anaerobic digester.
Use these bins for:
- Fruit and vegetables
- Meat and fish
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Bread
- Dairy products
- Rice, pasta and beans
- Eggs and eggshells
Location in Chemical Engineering
Recycling bins are located in all labs and shared offices. Please contact the sustainability team if you think a room requires a bin.
Other waste
Although most of the waste we generate will fit into one of these three main waste streams, some won't. This other waste may be hazardous, require specialist recycling, or may be unwanted but still usable.
To find out more, visit the UCL other waste webpage.
Nearest bin locations, if applicable, to Chemical Engineering below.
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment
What does it cover? This includes (but is not limited to) computer monitors, televisions, fridges, freezers and refrigeration equipment.
For more information visit the UCL waste electrical and electronic equipment website.
- Batteries
What does it cover? Batteries only.
Bin location: Roberts Building, Ground Floor foyer
For more information visit the UCL non hazardous waste website.
- Toner and print cartridges
What does it cover? Toner and print cartridges.
Bin location: Roberts Building, Ground Floor foyer
For more information visit the UCL non hazardous waste website.
- Hazardous waste
What does it cover? Clinical & offensive, chemical and radioactive waste.
Please contact contact chemeng.safety@ucl.ac.uk for any hazardous waste disposal.
For more information visit the UCL hazardous waste website.
- Warp-it: Usable equipment and furniture
What does it cover? Unwanted but useable lab and office equipment, furniture and stationery.
For more information visit the UCL re-usable items and furniture website.