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A

About Us

The About Us page details who the EO are, why the University has appointed these professionals and what we are here to do. You can access these pages by clicking on the following link. About Us.

Aerosols

Where possible purchase products that you normally buy as aerosols in pump action containers. Aerosols are quite difficult to recycle due to the plastic and metal components, which need to be separated before being processed. Aerosols are classified as hazardous waste and should be collected separately from normal refuse. Never crush or pierce empty cans. For more info refer to which bin.

Air-conditioning

At the University air-conditioning is typically used for computer rooms and areas which house equipment that produce a large amount of heat and need to be kept at a set temperature. Where air conditioning is in use it is important to ensure that the control set points are correctly set. Windows and doors need to be kept closed and any heating present in the area needs to be set up to ensure it does not operate while the air-conditioning is on.

Aluminium

Both food and drinks cans and foil can be recycled if there is a collection facility available. Aluminium is smelted down and used to make new aluminium products. For more info refer to which bin.

Animal By-products

Animal By-products are defined by the Animal By-Products (ABPR) Directive (1774/2002 as "entire bodies or parts of animals or products of animal origin not intended for human consumption, including ova, embryos and semen”. Such wastes need to be disposed of carefully in order to prevent a risk to animal or public health through the transmission of disease. Disposal options for each category vary from incineration, rendering, to use as pet food or within a technical plant. Further information on this legislation can be found within waste legislation.

Asbestos (H)

Asbestos was used as a building material from the 1950s to mid 1980s. Since its original use asbestos has been classified as a special waste, requiring disposal by registered asbestos removers. The majority of asbestos is disposed of at specially designated hazardous landfill sites.

Automatic Lighting Control

There are a range of automatic lighting controls, these include, absence detection, presence detection, time control, photocell operation, automatic lighting level control, and various combinations of these. The University is increasingly specifying automatic lighting controls as part of refurbishment works on existing buildings and for new buildings.

 

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Banksmen

Banksmen are used to aid large vehicles reverse. If, at any time, the banksman cannot be seen the driver should stop. According to the Health and Safety Executive, where banksmen are absolutely essential for the safe running of a site, then:

Batteries

There are a number of different types of batteries, all of which contain hazardous chemicals that need careful disposal. The disposal process involves removing chemicals that can be reused, followed by incineration. The types include:

For more info refer to which bin.

Bike lockers

Facilities for Cyclists

Biodiversity

In its literal sense, biodiversity simply means the variety of life. It includes all the different flora and fauna within an area including the genes they contain, and the ecosystem which they form part of.

Building waste

Refer to construction waste.

Building Management System

The Building Management System at the University provides central control for ventilation, heating, and hot water. For further information go to University Energy page.

 

Bulky Items

Any large pieces of equipment or furniture can be classed as bulky items, for example fridges, freezers, desks, etc. For more info refer to which bin.

Bus Timetables

You can get a listing of all First bus timetables by logging on to Bus Timetables , or you can call BUSline on 01224 650065.  There is also a First Travel Centre at 47 Union Street, Aberdeen, which is open 0845 – 1730 Monday to Saturday.

Stagecoach/Bluebird bus timetables can be obtained from the website: www.stagecoachbus.com/Timetable.html. 
Alternatively you can contact Stagecoach Bluebird by Calling them on (01224) 212266 or by email eastscotland@stagecoachbus.com
If you are unsure which bus service you require and would like more information then you can contact Traveline 0870 608 2 608 or log on to www.traveline.org.uk.

Bus routes

You can get a listing of all First bus routes by logging on to http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/nescot/map/index.php, or you can call BUSline on 01224 650065.  There is also a First Travel Centre at 47 Union Street, Aberdeen, which is open 0845 – 1730 Monday to Saturday.

Stagecoach/Bluebird Bus routes can be obtained from the website: www.stagecoachbus.com/Timetable.html.  Alternatively you can contact Stagecoach Bluebird by Calling them on (01224) 212266 or by email eastscotland@stagecoachbus.com
If you are unsure which bus service/route you require and would like more information then you can contact Traveline 0870 608 2 608 or log on to www.traveline.org.uk.

Buses

Aberdeen has two bus companies operating within the city, namely First Bus (http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/nescot/home/index.php) and Stagecoach Bluebird (http://www.stagecoachbus.com/region_1.html).

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Cans

Food and drinks cans are made either from steel or aluminium. You can tell the difference normally by the weight of the can, steel is usually heavier and is the only sort that will stick to magnets. Both types can be recycled, by being melted down and moulded into new products. For more info refer to which bin.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas; this contributes to global warming with the consequent effects of climate change. Carbon Dioxide is emitted as a result of generating energy from fossil fuels.

Cardboard

The majority of cardboard produced is for packaging purposes. Cardboard boxes can be flattened carefully and reused, or broken down into smaller pieces for recycling. Once collected, cardboard is usually mulched down and used to make plasterboard backing. Cardboard can also be used to make compost if broken into small pieces, or act as a mulch. For more info refer to which bin.

Carbon Trading

As part of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme the University is allocated a number of allowances equivalent to tonnes of carbon dioxide produced per year. If the University uses more than the number of allocated allowances then it is possible to purchase the difference from other organisations by carbon trading.

Car parking

Car Parking regulations as well as permit application forms are available online at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/estates/supportservices/car_parking.shtml

Car Parking permits

See parking permits.

Carrier bags

There are a multitude of carrier bags, predominantly comprised of plastic. Some are classified as biodegradable or degradable. Whilst the latter are better for disposal then normal plastic bags, using a textile alternative is the best option. These types of bags can be reused more often.

Car sharing

Car sharing is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution.

Cartridges

Refer to printer consumables

Chemicals

There are numerous types of chemicals used daily, ranging from washing up liquid to paints, solvents and oils. Chemicals may be classified as hazardous depending on their content and will require safe disposal. For more info refer to which bin.

Climate Change Levy

The climate change levy was introduced in 2001. This is a levy that is designed to encourage organisations to reduce their energy consumption. The levy is applied to the supply of electricity, natural gas, LPG and coal (fuel oils are exempt). The rates of charging are:

Electricity              0.43 p/kWh
Natural Gas          0.15 p/kWh
LPG                       0.96 p/kg
Coal                      1.17 p/kg

Clinical waste

There are many types of clinical waste including such items as needles, surgical dressings, microbiological cultures, human tissue and pharmaceutical products. These all require special disposal. Most clinical waste is sterilised or incinerated. For more info refer to which bin.

Composting

Garden waste such as twigs, leaves and weeds can be composted along with uncooked vegetable peelings. By composting this material in a special unit or heap you can reduce the amount thrown away and ultimately landfilled, whilst producing a fertile product that you can use in your garden. Paper and cardboard can be added to compost to improve its structure as well. For more info refer to which bin.

Computers

PC equipment such as monitors and hard drives are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Such items need special disposal to remove valuable metal components before being discarded. Work computers can be uplifted for disposal by completing a Form.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

A combined heat and power plant is a unit that generates both electricity and heat. The main benefit from this is that the overall efficiency of the system is much higher than a plant used solely for generating electricity. The reason for this is that the heat from the electricity generator from the CHP unit is used for heating hot water locally, instead of being dumped.

Compact Fluorescent Lights

These are direct replacements for tungsten bulbs. They use one fifth of the energy and can last 5 times longer.

Confidential waste paper

Paper waste that contains confidential information relating to people or practices require safe destruction. This material is usually shredded before being recycled into new paper products such as take-away bags, yellow pages, and newspaper. Papers which belongs to any of the following categories must be treated as confidential:

Paper not classified as confidential may be disposed of in through the normal recycling collection service.

Construction waste

Construction waste can relate to any materials used within the building / demolition process including aggregate, wood, uPVC, metal, asbestos, and more.

Contact Us

This page allows you to fill in a form and get in touch with a member of the Sustainability Office. You can use this form for any enquiry, idea, complaint or request. You will receive a response from the form being submitted within 5 working days. You can access these pages by clicking on the following link. Contact Us.

Corporate Social Responsibility

There are many definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility, but essentially it is about how organisations manage their activities in order to reduce their negative impacts and heighten positive impacts on the local and global economic, social and environment welfare of the environment they live and work in.

Cycle parking facilities

Facilities for Cyclists

Cycle lockers

Facilities for Cyclists

Cycle to work Scheme

This scheme arises from an initiative created by the Department for Transport.  Under the scheme, the University would lease bicycles and cyclists' safety equipment to you as a tax-free benefit, on the understanding that you primarily use the cycle and cyclists' safety equipment for journeys or part of a journey, between your home and workplace, or between one worksite and another. 

Cycling routes

Aberdeen Cycle Forum together with Aberdeen City Council have produced a map for cyclists in the city.  The Cycle maps can be picked up at various points across campus click to read more.

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Degree Days

Degree-days are a method to calculate how cold relatively one geographical location is compared to another over a period of time, typically a month. Degree-days can be used to correct heating energy consumption to allow comparison of buildings in different locations.

Disposal

After collection, general refuse is sent for disposal. If material is not separated out for recycling then the waste is transferred by a waste contractor to a landfill facility, where it is buried and left to decompose.

E

Earth Summit

The Earth Summit, a UN conference, was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, bringing together leading countries to discuss their impact on the environment at a local and global scale; the principle themes being environment and sustainable development. From this summit came the concept of Local Agenda 21.

End-of-Life vehicles

The composition of a typical car has changed substantially in recent years, they now contain a number of different materials including plastic, ferrous metal, fluids, electrical parts, tyres, rubber, glass and batteries. When vehicles come to the end of their useful life, they now need to be disposed of at an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) where these materials are separated into different streams and recycled or disposed of.

Envelopes

Envelopes can be recycled with paper and cardboard as long as any plastic windows are removed. They are then turned into new paper products.  Stamps could also be removed and collected to give to charity.

Environmental Policy

An environmental policy is a statement of intent to meet regulatory standards and improve environmental performance. It generally constitutes a one page statement signed by the leading authority of the organisation.

Environment Management System

An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a system that delivers control of environmental performance. It is the way in which an organisation manages its environmental issues. They can be certified to different standards following auditing by certified bodies.

European Union Emissions Trading Scheme

This is a Europe wide scheme with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For further information go to Legislation page.

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Fluorescent bulbs / tubes

Fluorescent tubes are long thin tubes used for lighting offices and workspaces. They are comprised of a filament, which is two wires within the length of the tube, as well as mercury and glass components. The mercury content of this item classifies it as a hazardous waste. Fluorescent tubes have to be collected separately for disposal, where they are crushed and the mercury is removed.

Food and drinks cans

Refer to cans.

Fridges and freezers

Fridges and freezers are made of a number of different components including metal and plastic, that make them difficult to recycle. These white goods are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) under European legislation, classifying them as hazardous waste. These items are normally collected and then dismantled into their recyclable components, with the remaining being either granulated, shredded, or incinerated.

Furniture

If furniture is still in good condition, this can be collected and redistributed around campus. You can do this through a furniture removal form. Furniture no longer required can be provided to charitable organisations where it can be reused, prior to disposal. Furniture can be dismantled into recyclable components where facilities are available.

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Gas cylinders

The majority of gas cylinders are refillable and should be given back to the supplier as part exchange. Waste cylinders would be classified as special waste and would therefore require uplift by a specialist waste contractor.

Glass

Glass bottles and jars can be collected and smashed to form cullet. Cullet can then be melted down to form new glass bottles and jars. Windowpane glass and glass kitchen / laboratory ware is made from a different type of glass and may contain coatings that affect its recyclability. These items have to be disposed of separately.

Grey Water System

Grey water can be collected from hand basins, showers and baths. Given the source of the water there is more need for treatment of it prior to re-use than collected rain water. Grey water can be made clean enough for re-use for such purposes as flushing toilets using basic disinfectant or microbiological treatment.

 

Green transport plans

Also known as a Travel Plan.  A Travel Plan is a way of managing how employees and students travel to the University. Its aim is to encourage different ways of travelling, such as making use of public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling.

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Hazardous waste

Hazardous waste is a general term in the UK describing waste containing a hazardous substance in a quantity liable to cause harm to humans and the environment if improperly handled, treated or disposed of.  Hazardous waste is often used interchangeably in the UK with the term special waste. In Scotland any hazardous waste is termed special waste.

Home page

The home page forms the front web page of the Sustainability Office. It provides a brief introduction and overview of the web pages that follow.

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I

Inkjet cartridges

Refer to printer consumables

Insulation

Insulation is a key element for energy conservation in buildings. Installing loft insulation in an un-insulated area can reduce heat loss by 90%.

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Journey time

Walking times between campuses
Cycling times between campuses

Junk mail

Any unwanted mail that isn’t addressed to the actual occupier is classed as junk mail. This material can be recycled in the paper and cardboard collection, however contacting the Mail Preference Service can stop it from being delivered.

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Kitchen foil

Aluminium foil can be reused or recycled depending on whether there are facilities available. Aluminium is smelted down and used to make new aluminium products. For more info refer to which bin.

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Legislation

There are numerous requirements placed upon the University of which it must adhere to. Directives come from the European Union, which are then implemented into UK law through Acts and Regulations. Other documents and procedures that are followed, but are not necessarily classified as legal are industry codes of practice.  A useful resource for finding out about current and future Environmental Legislation is Netregs.

Light bulbs

Tungsten bulbs are not hazardous and can be discarded with normal refuse, however fluorescent bulbs require special disposal. See fluorescent bulbs / tubes.

Links

The links page details useful websites that provide extra information on the topics discussed within the Sustainability Office web pages.

Local Agenda 21

The Local Agenda 21 initiative originates from the 1992 Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro. The summit discussed gaining a commitment to plan for sustainable development. Local Agenda 21 identifies:

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Magazines

Magazines can be reused, by donating them to other readers, or recycled as part of a paper and cardboard collection. For more information refer to which bin.

Medical equipment

Some medical equipment can be given to charity, however if the item is broken this would require disposal. If electrical it would be disposed of as a waste electrical or electronic equipment item. If a consumable, landfill is normally the only option.

Medicines

Empty glass bottles can be recycled if a glass collection service is available, however medicines such as tablets and solutions would have to be disposed of through a specialist waste contractor.

Monitors

Old cathode ray tube monitors require specialist disposal as they contain harmful substances. See comments regarding computers.

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Newspapers

Newspaper can be reused, by donating them to other readers, or recycled as part of a paper and cardboard collection. For more information refer to which bin.

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Oil

There are different types of oil that require disposal, oil from vehicles and machinery, and vegetable oil from cooking processes. As oil is a liquid, it is banned from disposal to landfill, and has to be dealt with separately. Oil from vehicles and machinery is collected as a special waste and filtered for reuse or burnt. Vegetable oil can be collected and filtered for reuse as a bio-diesel. Vegetable oil is also classified as a special waste as it may have contained animal by-products when used.

Optimum Start Control

Timeclock control for heating brings on the heating at a fixed time each day to ensure a building is heated to the required level for the start of occupancy. This means that the heating may well be coming on too early. Optimum start control delays the start time when the heating comes on based on the outside temperature, switching the heating on later on milder days and heating the building prior to occupancy and reducing energy consumption.

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Packaging waste

Packaging can be defined as materials used for the containment, protection, handling, delivery, and presentation of goods. Packaging can be divided into three broad categories:

Most packaging is made of cardboard or plastic. Cardboard can be collected and recycled to make new cardboard products. At present there is no outlet for the types of plastic film used.


Paint

The environmental impact of waste paint and paint containers has only relatively recently become a concern in the UK. Decorative paints refer to paints, varnishes and other coatings used by professional painters, decorators and householders for decoration and protection of buildings and homes. Paint comes in a wide variety of forms designed for very specific purposes but typical components include; pigments, extenders, binders, thinners, solvents and additives. Paint should not be disposed of in liquid form and should never be poured down drains or into water courses. Contamination of collection vehicles, roads and other recyclables may result even if paint is sealed in a can. Small quantities of liquid material should be allowed to dry out or to spread onto an absorbent mat before being put into the bin. Larger volumes of liquid should be dealt with through a specialist contractor.

Paper

Paper can be recycled if there is a collection facility available, however it cannot be recycled indefinitely, as the fibres get shorter and weaker each time. Some virgin pulp must be introduced into the process to maintain the strength and quality of the fibre. For more info refer to which bin.

Park and ride

Park & Ride allows commuters, coming into Aberdeen, to enjoy stress free travel and beat the queues. It also allows visitors and shoppers to take the direct route to the heart of the city.
There are two Park & Ride sites in Aberdeen which all operate Monday - Saturday. Park & Ride service 40 and 41 operates between Bridge of Don and Kingswells via the city centre, operating a 10 minute peak service and a 15 minute off-peak service.
Bridge of Don Park & Ride site is situated to the rear of the AECC. The Kingswells Park & Ride site is situated on the A944 beside the Kingswells roundabout.
To find Routes and Timetables click here

Parking permits

Parking permits can be applied for online at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/estates/supportservices/car_parking.shtml

PC disposal

See comments regarding Computers

Plastic

According to Waste Watch, packaging represents the largest single sector of plastics use in the UK. There are about 50 different groups of plastics, with hundreds of different varieties. All types of plastic are recyclable, however this is dependent on whether there are facilities to take it locally. Due to Aberdeen’s geographical location waste contractors are reluctant to collect this material for recycling due to it being so light and voluminous, it is uneconomic to transport long distances; therefore any service offered will be at a premium.

Plate Heat Exchangers

Plate heat exchangers are very efficient and produce a rapid performance. They have minimal heat losses when compared with the hot water cylinders that they replace and are cheaper to run.

Policies

The University has to follow policies that are set by the Scottish government as well as its own Court. Examples of policies which the Environment Office have to adhere to can be found in the Policy page. Policies normally illustrate a statement of intent for which you sign up to.

Pollution

Pollution is a harmful change in the natural environment, predominantly caused by human activities. It can surmount to releases of toxic substances that are harmful to plants or animals.

Printers

Printers are classified as WEEE in the same way as computers are. Such items need special disposal to remove valuable metal components before being discarded. Work computers can be uplifted for disposal by completing a Form.

Printer consumables

Printer consumables include printer parts, and toner, ink-jet and ribbon cartridges. Toner cartridges can be collected for remanufacture. This involves stripping down the empty cartridges, cleaning each component after inspection for signs of wear, reassembling, with new parts if necessary, and filling with toner. A number of charities offer this service.

Procedures

The University has to follow procedures to ensure its operations are conducted in an efficient and safe manner. Procedures are developed to ensure the requirements of policy documents are fulfilled.

Procurement

The word “procurement” is defined as the process of acquiring assets,
goods, works and services from any suppliers.

Public transport

The university is well served by public transport - to find out more click here

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R

Radioactive waste

By definition from the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, this type of waste is split into four categories:

Disposal of radioactive material has to be done through a specialist waste contractor. For more info refer to which bin.

Rainwater Recovery System

This is a system to collect, filter and store rainwater for use where drinking quality water is not required e.g. for flushing toilets.

Recycle

According to the National Waste Plan recycling is reprocessing materials into a form that allows them to be reclaimed as a secondary raw material. Recycling forms the third concept of the waste hierarchy.

Recycled products

Recycled products are items that have been developed from a material that would previously have been thrown away. Recycled paper for example, or pens made from vending cups.

Recycling Points

External Recycling Points are provided on campus by the Local Authority purely for domestic waste, for use by students and residents who live on site. Currently Recycling Points are located at the back on Crombie halls and two on the Hillhead site. The Recycling Points can take food and drinks cans, paper and cardboard, plastic bottles and the three colours of glass.

Reduce

According to the National Waste Plan, reduction or prevention of waste being produced should be done at source. This forms the first concept of the waste hierarchy.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is energy from sources that are naturally and continually replenished. These sources include, wind, solar thermal, photovoltaic, biofuels, geothermal and more.

Reuse

Where waste cannot be prevented, waste materials or products should be reused directly, or refurbished then reused. This forms the second concept of the waste hierarchy.

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Scrap metal

There is a scrap metal skip located at the Bedford Road depot. This is uplifted by a waste contractor, who sorts the metals into different types and sends them on for melting and manufacturing into new products. All metals can be recycled, depending on whether facilities are available to reprocess the waste metal and there is an end market.

Skips

On site you will see a number of skips and containers for different types of waste. The type of container used depends on the waste being placed in it. For example, lockable stores are used for waste paper and cardboard to prevent potential fire incidents. The skips and containers are either emptied or swapped out through waste contractors. Compactor skips are also in use. These skips compact bulky material such as cardboard boxes so that the container does not fill up so quickly, requiring less uplift.

Solvents

Solvents are used in a wide array of operations, with their uses including dissolving contaminants, raw materials and other products, and controlling viscosity and drying rates. Solvents are classified as hazardous waste, and should be disposed of carefully. Solvents can be recovered for re-refining and distillation, and use as a fuel, if facilities are available.

Special waste

See hazardous waste.

Survey

See Travel survey

Sustainability

In the terms of the 1987 Brundtland Report, sustainability is: "Meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." In simpler terms, sustainability is providing for the best for people and the environment both now and in the indefinite future.

Sustainable purchasing / procurement

Sustainable procurement is the application of sustainable development principles to procurement. It is procurement that takes environmental and social factors into account in purchasing decisions. It is about looking at what products are made of, where they have come from and who has made them.  It’s even about looking at whether the purchase needs to be made at all. 

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems SUDS

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems are surface water drainage systems that manage run-off flowrates, reducing the potential for flooding and encourage natural ground water recharge.

Sustainable travel

More information here : Sustainable travel

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Taps

The University has been fitting push head taps in toilet areas for a number of years to reduce water consumption. Recently the University has moved to fitting spray taps with sensors when these areas are refurbished.

Thermostatic Radiator Valves

Thermostatic radiator valves provide good local control of heating. The control valves can be set to heat individual rooms to different temperatures and will shut off the radiators when the temperature set point has been reached. For occupied areas it is best to use a mid setting to start with and then adjust for comfort from there.

Timetables

Refer to Bus Timetables
Refer to Train Timetables

Trains

Aberdeen has two train stations; one situated on Guild Street, which is in easy walking distance of Union Street, and the other located in Dyce.

Train routes

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk

Train timetables

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk

Travel plan

A travel plan is a way of managing how employees and students travel to the University. Its aim is to encourage different ways of travelling, such as making use of public transport, car sharing, walking and cycling.

Travel plan co-ordinator

Refer to the About Us page.

Travel Survey

In February 2006 a staff and student travel survey was undertaken.  Survey results can be viewed here.

Tungsten Bulbs

These bulbs are very inefficient with regard to energy use. When they fail they can be replaced directly with compact fluorescent bulbs that use one fifth of the energy and can last 5 times longer.

Tyres

Tyres are made predominantly out of rubber and metal. They are classified as special waste, and are prohibited from entering landfill. Tyres can be crumbed and used for artificial flooring, or compacted as gabions for engineering and landscaping. For more info refer to which bin.

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Utilities Manager


Refer to the About Us page.

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W

Washing Machines

New washing machines use less water as well as less energy than old machines. A new machine will typically use less than half the water of the average 10 year old machine, and some use less than 50 litres per wash.

Waste

According to the Waste Framework Directive, waste is any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard

Waste and Environmental Manager

Refer to the About Us page.

Waste Aware

The Waste Aware campaign has been formulated by the Scottish Waste Awareness Group, which was set up in 2000 to educate and change public attitudes towards waste.

Waste Contractor

Waste contractors refer to the people who collect waste from on site where this is classified as special or not. Any waste contractor used should hold a relevant license to carry waste, provide documentation on the waste they are taking and provide evidence that are they taking the waste to be disposed of at a licensed site.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment

There are 10 indicative categories: large household, small household, IT and telecommunications, consumer equipment, lighting equipment, electrical and electronic tools, electrical toys leisure and sports, medical devices, monitoring, automatic dispensers. Under the WEEE Directive these have to be collected by the producer and recycled, with the removal of certain hazardous substances.

Waste hierarchy

The options for dealing with our rubbish are described in the "waste hierarchy" - with those towards the top of the list more desirable than those towards the bottom. Refer to the waste principles page.

Waste Management Manual

The waste management manual is a document produced by the Estates section giving guidance on waste policy and practice at the University.

Waste minimisation

Waste minimisation is another term used to identify waste prevention or reduction, and forms the first concept on the waste hierarchy.

Weather Compensated Temperature Control

This type of control is primarily for radiator based systems and the temperature of the water flowing through the radiators is adjusted dependant on the outside temperature with the aim of maintaining comfort conditions without wasting energy.

White goods

White goods refer to appliances such as dishwashers, cookers, fridges and washing machines. These should be disposed of as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment.

Wood waste

Wood waste produced from gardening can be chipped and used as a mulch or composted. Wood waste produced from construction sites is generally treated with preservatives and glues. In some cases this can be chipped and used to make chipboard. Wood products such as MDF currently have no recycling outlet and have to be disposed of.

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X-ray equipment

Waste X-ray equipment that does not contain radioactive sources is classified as WEEE, and should be disposed of accordingly. For more info refer to which bin.

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Z

Zero waste

The Zero Waste Alliance in Ireland defines zero waste as a concept that focuses attention on to the whole life cycle of products. Zero Waste is an approach to waste management that actually promotes total sustainable resource management.

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This page was last updated on 27-Nov-2009 09:50:46 GMT