Recycling 

At Durham University we strive to recycle as many things as possible, aiming to recycle 70% of our waste by 2042. We offer a mixed recycling provision across the estate that includes metals, plastics, and card and paper.  

Outside of the standard recyclable streams, we also offer a range of recycling provisions for other items:  

Vapes: You can recycle your vapes at the large bin inside Bill Bryson Library and the Teaching and Learning Centre. Please do not throw vapes into the general waste or other recycling streams as this can cause a fire. See below for two useful links on the dangers of not recycling vapes properly.  

Food: At all our cafes and retail outlets, departments, professional services workspaces, and all our catered colleges, we collect and measure the amount of food generated. Since April of 2025 and the introduction of the Simpler Recycling regulations, we have expanded our food waste provision to also include self-catered colleges, which means we now monitor all food waste generated across the university. Food waste is collected and sent for anaerobic digestion, generating useful biogas and fertiliser. See below data on the last few years of food waste collections. 

Batteries: We use Valpak EcoBat to recycle all batteries across the estate. Each department has a central battery collection point. You can email the waste.collection@durham.ac.uk team to arrange for disposal once full.  

Confidential Waste: We utilise an on-site shredding service for confidential waste. Please contact waste.collection@durham.ac.uk for arrange a collection.  

Printer Toner: We utilise the HP take back service for all managed printers across the estate. Simply contact HP to order your returns box and call the number on the box once full to have it exchanged. Don’t forget to send the paperwork to waste.collection@durham.ac.uk. For non HP printer toner, please contact the waste collections team to arrange a separate collection. 

Useful Links  

Recycle Your Electricals Vapes Film  

Vape Processing: Electrical Waste (WEEE) Disposal and Recycling - Gap Group