As part of Sustainability Week (17-21 February) 36 Action volunteers, FREEC reps and PhD students audited 96 bags of waste and recycling from the halls of residence. They recorded the quality of recycling, as well as the amount of and the causes of contamination.

The results showed a marked difference from those reported in November. There was a 6% increase in the levels of correct segregation of waste and recycling with Rutherford overtaking Towers with 81% of its waste segregated correctly.

The volunteers found that food waste made up 78% of general waste, including a lot that was avoidable eg unopened packets that had been left to go out of date.

They also discovered that 42% of mixed recycling was contaminated by food. To avoid this, it is important to empty, rinse and dry items before recycling them.

Amber Quraishi, the University’s Environmental Management Assistant commented: “The Grime Scene Investigation helps engage students with the seriousness of issues such as food waste and recycling contamination.  

“Seeing the amount of avoidable food waste being thrown away really helps to open your eyes to the problem and prompts you to think more about your actions and how to avoid this. We had students brainstorming solutions, such as using their freezer more effectively or offering unwanted food to flat mates.”

The event was held in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

The Sustainability team have resources available on how to reduce food waste and recycling.

If you’re interested in sustainability and want to get involved, please email enviroassist@lboro.ac.uk.

You can also follow them on Twitter or Instagram for regular updates on sustainable initiatives at Loughborough.