What goes in what bin in your accommodation

Recycling can be a little daunting, especially if it isn't something you're familiar with, or if it's different to what you're used to at home. But, it doesn't need to be!

Sorting your waste into the right bins helps our community achieve our joint sustainability goals. Keeping it out of landfill keeps our planet healthy.

All UWE Bristol owned accommodation includes five different bins:

• A red topped/labelled bin for hard plastics and metal cans/tins*
• A blue topped/labelled bin for cardboard and paper
• A green topped/labelled bin for glass
• A smaller dark green bin for food waste
• A grey bin for all other non-recyclable waste

*Hard plastic means anything like plastic bottles and food tubs. Soft plastics like bags and crisp packets are currently not recyclable at UWE Bristol.

Once the bins inside your home are full, you will need to take them out to the bin stores outside. The big bins match your little bins, so it's easy to spot where you need to put each sort of recycling. For instance, the plastics in your red bin need to go into the red bin outside.

Tips for recycling:

• Clean your recycling before you put it in the bin. A rinse under the tap is usually enough! Contaminated (dirty) recycling can mean that the whole bin has to go in the general waste and all your efforts are lost.
• Sort your recycling out in your flat before taking it outside. It'll save you time and means less time in the bin stores.
• Empty your recycling and general waste bin regularly. No one wants to live in a stinky, smelly home. It'll also keep flies and pests out.
• Don't put your recycling in black bags. Black bags aren't recyclable and everything will have to go in general waste. Keep your recycling loose in the bins or in clear bags.
• Encourage your flat/housemates to recycle as well. It might take a little practice, but it's worth it in the long run.