Reduce, reuse and recycle

The circular economy at UWE Bristol.

The circular economy

At UWE Bristol, we aim to run our operations based on a circular economy model. A circular economy reduces waste and pollution by encouraging reuse and recycling.

This approach will help us to:

  • minimise our impact on the environment
  • increase biodiversity on our campuses
  • reduce costs of buying new and raw materials.

Based on a move towards renewable energy and materials, a circular economy is good for business, people and the environment.

Get involved

We're building a culture of repair and reuse – helping reduce waste and supporting with the cost of living through practical, community-led solutions.

Student sat at a table looking at his mobile.

Repair café

An initiative run by students and community repair volunteers allowing staff, students and the community to get their items fixed for free.

A selection of colourful clothing on a rail.

Sustainability Hub

A simple swap system that gives access to affordable, pre-loved items and encourages donation and reuse.

A picture of the Library of Things, which is in a green shipping container and has tables with plants on outside it.

Library of Things

A membership-based scheme providing access to items for home, hobbies, study or practical tasks.

Communal office area at Shaftesbury Hall accommodation

Reuse Marketplace

An initiative to make surplus university furniture, decor and non-IT equipment available for reuse both on and off campus.

Minimising our environmental impact

Our goals

In our Climate and Sustainability Plan we’ve set clear goals to reduce our environmental impact:

  • Reduce waste by 10% per person (staff and student) by 2025/26, compared to 2022/23 data.
  • Recycle 70% by mass of all waste by 2026.
  • Reduce single-use plastics by teaching, research and operations.
  • Support the UK Plastics Pact by developing practical, scalable solutions.

Waste and recycling

Key stats for 2023/24

  • Total waste (including construction): 2,467 tonnes
  • Total waste (excluding construction): 1,253 tonnes
  • Recycling rate (including construction): 52.3%
  • Recycling rate (excluding construction): 35.6%

Recycling on campus

Information on which items you can recycle on campus and how to recycle them.

Recycling on campus

You may also be interested in

Man volunteers in a community garden

Get involved in sustainability

Help us make a truly sustainable university a reality. Information for staff and students to get involved in positive ways, plus handy tips for greener living.

R block with solar panels and wild flowers

Carbon, energy and water management

Learn about our carbon, energy and water management plans and projects including our new, 900 bed student accommodation built to the highest sustainability standard of Passivhaus.

Two bees on a flower

Sustainability at UWE Bristol

Sustainability is embedded in our culture, research and teaching. We have already invested heavily in campus improvements and new technology, with plans underway to be carbon neutral by 2030.