Reducing, reusing and recycling waste
We are passionate about reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Find out about our policies, targets and procedures, and discover how to take part in our Re:Love and Re:Use schemes.
Reduce your impact on the planet
Join our efforts to follow the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.
We recognise all aspects of our operations generate waste, emissions and discharges. As a result, we are committed to implementing the government’s Waste Hierarchy to optimise the use of our resources.
We also have a zero waste-to-landfill policy in place. This means we are working continuously to prevent and reduce waste production.
Anything we can't recycle is taken to an energy recovery facility (incinerator). Here, the unwanted products are burned to generate electricity for the national grid.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Our practices tie in with the United Nations SDGs, which aim to transform our world and promote prosperity for all while protecting our planet.
Our policy on reducing, reusing and recycling supports 'Responsible consumption and production'.
Waste targets
We have a target to divert 60% of operational waste (residential and non-residential) from landfill/EfW per academic year.
In 2022/2023, we generated 488 tonnes of waste from operational activity and 747 tonnes from construction activity.
Here is what happened to the waste generated by operational activity:
- 63% was incinerated to generate energy from waste
- 32% was recycled
- 5% was anaerobically digested
Our waste policy
Read our waste policy to find out more about our commitment to reducing waste.
Waste, Emissions and Discharges Policy
Want to know what happens to our food waste?
Food waste from our campuses is anaerobically digested and broken down by micro-organisms. This process creates biogas and liquid fertiliser.
Re-cycling and waste reduction initiatives
When our students move out of their halls of residence, many have items they no longer want or need. To ensure these items don't end up in the bin, we run an annual Re:Love project. As part of this project, we collect items which can be re-used and donate them to charity.
In 2022/23, students in Clayhill Halls of Residence donated more than one tonne of unwanted belongings (clothes, books, food and kitchen items).
We have a Re:Use hub in the John Galsworthy Courtyard at the Penrhyn Road campus. This Re:Use hub offers unwanted stationery for staff and students to re-home.
Re:Use is usually open on Thursdays from 12-1pm.
Our ethos is to only take what you need, to donate your surplus and reduce waste.
We also love to hear from local charities interested in claiming items we no longer need.
Get in touch to talk about sustainability
Got a question about sustainability at Kingston University?
Call us on +44 (0)7767 932 944 or send us an email.
You can also visit us in person at:
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom
