Recycling is changing, for the better
Posted on behalf of: The Better Campus team
Last updated: Wednesday, 7 May 2025

Did you know we are now able to recycle more materials than ever? There are small changes being made to the way we recycle on campus, with the potential to make big differences.
To make recycling simpler and more effective, we’re changing the way we recycle across campus.
To align with UK legislation, we are expanding what can go in our mixed recycling bins and introducing food waste collections in staff kitchens.
Introducing food waste recycling
From 6 May, food waste caddies will be rolled out across suitable office kitchens, as well as in all our cafes. These caddies will be collected regularly, and the contents will be processed into renewable energy through anaerobic digestion.
Around a third of the waste we generate on campus is food waste, so this will save tonnes of food from going to the incinerator or to landfill.
Please separate the following items into your caddies, rather than general waste:
- All uneaten food and plate scrapings
- Baked goods such as bread, cakes and pastries
- Dairy products, eggs and eggshells
- Fruit and vegetables including raw and cooked vegetables and peelings
- Out-of-date or mouldy food
- Pet food
- Raw and cooked meat or fish, including bones
- Tea bags and coffee grounds.
Expanding what you can recycle on campus
We’re also increasing the range of items that can go into our mixed recycling bins. Please ensure all materials are clean, dry, and loose before placing them in the bin.
In mixed recycling bins across campus, you can now recycle:
- Steel and aluminium tins, drinks cans, aerosols
- Aluminium tubes, foil and food trays
- Steel and aluminium jar and bottle lids
- Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, tubes and trays
- Food and drink cartons (eg Tetra Pak and Pringles tubes)
- Paper and cardboard.
Glass should continue to be taken to dedicated glass recycling points located around campus.
If you're not sure if it's recyclable, refer to our Recycling A-Z. If you have any questions or need more information, get in touch at bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk.