Reuse and recycling schemes across campus

Book reuse

There are two locations on campus where students, residents and members of the public can donate unwanted books from home. One book bank is based at the Local Authority Recycling Point at the back of Crombie-Johnston and the other is located at Hillhead. These book banks accept books in good condition for reuse to raise money for charity. They are not to be used to dispose of books from University operation.

Cardboard recycling

There are a number of locations across campus that now offer cardboard recycling. The containers used to accomodate the cardboard range from wheeled bins and cardboard mini containers, to skips. All these containers accomodate cardboard from all buildings.

Small quantities of cardboard should be flattened by the producing department and placed in kitchen areas for collection by cleaning staff, and then porters.

Large quantities of cardboard should be retained in the producing department and a collection arranged by contacting the Sacrist.

Please do not leave cardboard in corridors or outside.

The table below illustrates where there are facilities for collecting cardboard.

back to top

Computer Reuse

The University has developed a computer reuse partnership with Edinburgh based Reusing IT, whereby some computers no longer required are donated for use in Africa. Click here for more information.

back to top

Dry mixed recycling collections

The University is moving towards increasing its recycling performance and the requirements of the Zero Waste regulations by introducing a dry mixed recyclate collection across campus; in compliance with our own Waste Policy.

Please note that these green pedal bins should remain in their given locations and should not be moved without prior agreement with the Waste and Environmental Manager and the University Safety Adviser.

They can accept rinsed drinks cans, rinsed food cans, rinsed plastic bottles, rinsed plastic packaging and small quanitities of mixed glass. For more information on this service please click here.

To find out where your nearest dry mixed recycling container is please click the relevant link below.

Old Aberdeen campus

Foresterhill campus

Interactive maps will become available to highlight all recycling points shortly.

back to top

Paper recycling

Across both campuses paper recycling will be available via the Shred-it console system as from the beginning of September. The documents below illustrate locations across campus as well as some FAQs regarding this type of system.

Shred-it console locations

FAQs on Shred-it console paper recycling system

Paper console full? Office clearance?

If your paper recycling console is full to overflowing or you wish to undertake an office clearance please contact the Waste and Environmental Manager direct for further advice. Contact details can be found by clicking here.

Additional bags for office clearances (for paper waste only) can be requested on line.

back to top

Scrap metal

Should your department be disposing of metal items then these can be recycled free of charge. It maybe appropriate to arrange for collection of the item(s) or to have a skip on site if disposing of quite a lot.

The scrap metal skip is located at Bedford Road and takes all types of metal. Please contact the Waste and Environmental Manager for further information.

back to top

Textile reuse and recycling

There are two textile banks located on campus which accept unwanted clothing which is of a good condition. They are situated at the Local Authority Recycling Points. Clothing donated through these banks helps support the New Hope Trust. Click here for information on the Local Authority Recycling Points.

back to top

Toner cartridge recycling

The University does not have a specific policy for recycling toner cartridges. Many departments already collect toner cartridges for charity, so it was felt inappropriate to enforce collecting them for determined charities. If your department does not already have a collection container then take a look at the charities that offer such services free of charge by clicking here, and then scrolling down to the appropriate section.

back to top

Tip box recycling

At both Foresterhill and Old Aberdeen there are schemes in place to recycle tip boxes. Uplifted every 8-10 weeks the collect points take all tip box items (Clean, non-contaminated), including PETE, (the clear Starlab and Rainin refill pack covers), but no other materials. The scheme is co-ordinated through Labwaste Ltd. Further information on these schemes can be obtained from Jan Walker or Dot Mckinnon.