Waste Management Strategy

With over 21,000 students and 4,500 staff members, the University produces up to 2500 tonnes of waste each year. Waste is generated through the residential Colleges, academic departments, catering outlets, professional service departments, libraries, museums and attractions, the Graham Sports Centre, Durham Student’s Union, Green Lane Depot, and from capital building projects.  

Whilst we are working to reduce the amount of waste we produce, it’s important that every tonne of waste produced is manged in a responsible and compliant way. This strategy outlines how the University will achieve this, in the most sustainable way possible.  

In the strategy we continue to commit ourselves to sending none of our waste to landfill outside of where we are legally obligated to do so.  

The strategy outlines our ambitions to reduce usage of disposable and single use items across the estate, we expand on this in our single use plastics policy. We have removed straws and stirrers from all cafes and are always seeking opportunities to remove other items.  

We are keen to extend these good practices, including on minimisation and disposable products, up our supply chain. This falls within our Sustainable Procurement policy, which we are refreshing to support achievement of these ambitions.   

To track progress against these ambitions, the University tracks waste volumes across the breadth of waste streams as well as the destination for all wastes generated, whether that’s energy from waste, anaerobic digestion, recycling, or landfill. For full information, you can visit the HESA website here.  

The table and graph below demonstrate our waste volumes and waste destinations over the last 3 academic years. We are continuing to reduce our overall waste footprint whilst maintaining our 0 to landfill status.  

We have a separate policy and process for the proper management and disposal of hazardous waste, which you can read below. 

Read the Waste Management Strategy    

Read the Single Use Plastics Policy

Read the Sustainable Procurement Policy (July 2023)  

Read the Hazardous Waste Management Process