University campus is now cleaner and greener » Environment » 24dash.com

The long standing relationship between Worcester City Council and the University of Worcester continues with an extension of the Council’s recycling scheme to the Halls of Residence at the University’s St John’s campus.

The University has launched a ‘Going Green and Black’ campaign, investing in large green and black bins placed at strategic points across the campus, with recyclable waste collected by the Council once a fortnight. The students have bags in their kitchen area, in which they gather recyclables to empty into the large green bin when full.

“The University’s drive to increase recycling is proving a real success,” said Malcolm Cox, Operations Manager at Worcester City Council. “With up to 30 bins being emptied on each collection day, the benefits to the environment are clear.”

This achievement is the result of close working between Council and the University and most importantly the students. The University of Worcester’s Head of Sustainability and Development Katy Boom, said: “It is very important for us to educate students about the City’s scheme in their first year so that when they move on into the community they understand the scheme and quickly get into the green week, black week habit.

“Students are really committed to improving their environment. Last May, in a Zero Waste initiative run by a number of universities, Worcester students diverted 800 kilos of waste from landfill, including a sofa, televisions, a go-kart and artificial Christmas trees in addition to the usual clothing, books and cooking equipment. Three local charities benefited from this re-use scheme.

“The University has employed four part-time student eco-reps, who are responsible for raising awareness of environmental issues and improving recycling rates. We recognise the long and short-term benefits to the environment, and will continue to work together to find ways to increase recycling still further in the future.”