Work undertaken by the SRS Comms team to encourage waste reduction behaviours on campus under the banner #ZeroWasteUoE.

This delivers on several aspects in the University Waste Strategy 2018/19 - 2022/23 and forthcoming SRS Plan and SRS Department strategy.

Project objectives:

1. Establish resource efficiency as part of the culture of at the University of Edinburgh

• Explain what resource efficiency means and why it’s important to be resource efficient
• Communicate key areas of resource inefficiency at the University and how this could be improved
• Explain what the University is doing to become more resource efficient, including:
  • Circular economy vision
  • Waste free vision
  • Striving to be disposable plastic free by 2030
• Provide clear advice on how staff and students can be resource efficient on campus

2. Suggest practical ways the University community can reduce and prevent waste

• Both waste produced as a direct result of University activities and as an indirect result
• Educate entire University community on what resource efficiency means, what the circular economy is, and why both are important for the long-term sustainability of society
• Use existing networks, such as Sustainability Awards teams, Waste Coordinators, etc.

3. Increase the use of reusable items and services at the University

• Make reusable hot drink containers, reusable water bottles and reusable food contains the norm
• Increase awareness and use of WarpIt
• Increase awareness and use of PC Reuse project
• Increase reuse and improve recycling in labs
• End of term accommodation clear-out
• [other reuse projects]
• Measured by increased use of these items and services; increased purchasing of reusable items; reduction in purchasing of disposable items; increase in waste avoided; increased supply of items to community partners.

4. Inform the entire University community how to recycle correctly on campus

• Clarify what can and can’t be recycled on campus
• Measured by a decrease in recycling contamination[1]
• Include guidance to festival tenants through Kerry Cheek’s work with Festivals Office
• Ensure all mentions of redundant “recycle.ac” app are taken off the University website

Related University-wide or department objectives:

(To be updated after SRS Plan and SRS Department Strategy are refreshed)

• Vision to be a zero waste University by 2030
• Strive for single-use plastic free by 2030
• Support reuse initiatives & items, such as reusable cups and bottles
• Explain how to recycle correctly
• Communicate what circular economy is, what the University is doing, and how staff and students can take part
• Communicate how to reuse: IT equipment, WarpIt, Furniture, etc