No time to waste!

Posted on: 25 September 2024 in Issue 8

When it comes to sustainability, the University of Liverpool is driving real change, and the results are speaking for themselves.

Back in 2021, the University set an ambitious waste reduction target: to achieve a 50% reduction in domestic general waste sent for incineration with energy recovery by 2025. And now, as we move towards the final stretch, we’re excited to share some incredible progress.

In the 2022/2023 academic year, we hit a 32.73% reduction. But here’s the exciting news – in 2023/2024, we have achieved an astonishing 43.11% waste reduction from our pre-COVID baseline.

The graph below illustrates key milestones, including historical tonnages, the performance for the 2022/2023 academic year, the pre-COVID baseline, and the remaining reduction required to meet our target. During 2022/2023, the University had already successfully reduced general waste by 443.127 tonnes, representing a 32.73% reduction compared to the 10-year baseline -  clear indication of significant progress.

  • Baseline Tonnage: 1,354.018 tonnes
  • Target Tonnage: 677.009 tonnes
  • 2022/2023 Tonnage: 910.891 tonnes
  • Reduction Still Needed: 233.882 tonnes

We’re thrilled that the 2023/2024 data shows even greater progress. General waste sent for incineration was reduced to 770.269 tonnes—a decrease of 140.622 tonnes from the previous year, amounting to a total reduction of 583.749 tonnes, or 43.11% from the baseline. As we enter the final academic year of our target period, only 93.26 tonnes remain to be reduced in order to reach our 50% reduction goal.

Sam Hay, the University’s Waste and Recycling Officer said, "I’m over the moon with the progress we’ve made towards our 50% reduction. Over the last 12-18 months, we’ve implemented several schemes to reduce waste and increase recycling and reuse. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact these initiatives have had. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our staff and students, and I want to thank them for their hard work. With more exciting changes in the pipeline, I’m confident we’ll maintain this trajectory."

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, the University has more initiatives lined up to help meet the waste reduction target, including the launch of a comprehensive Waste Management Plan. This plan will outline how the University handles the waste streams generated by its activities, focusing on reducing waste generation, improving resource recovery, and supporting a circular economy. An Action Plan within this strategy will detail specific actions to further minimise waste and mitigate environmental impacts.

Find out more

To learn more about the University’s waste reduction efforts, disposal guidelines, and best practices, contact Sam Hay at s.hay@liverpool.ac.uk.

For more information on the University of Liverpool’s sustainability initiatives, reach out to the Sustainability team at sustainability@liverpool.ac.uk.