Latest recycling figures
Between April 2005 and August 2006, the University has managed to recycle a total of 244 tonnes of material.- 170 tonnes of paper (26,500 sacks)
- 110 tonnes of cardboard (92,000 cardboard boxes and equivalent smaller items)
- 3 tonnes of plastic bottles ( over 3000 sacks)
- 3 tonnes of cans (over 2,500 sacks)
- 1.1 tonnes of confidential waste
- 5 tonnes of mattresses
- 4.3 tonnes of fluorescent tubes
- 4 tonnes of IT equipment
What happens to the materials you recycle?
Paper
Paper is taken to Securecycle in Kirkcaldy. From here, it is distributed to a number of companies for reprocessing. As a result of the current economic situation, the majority of this paper is being reprocessed in the UK. This paper is made into a variety of products, such as paper and envelopes.
Cardboard
Cardboard is sent to Securecycle in Kirkcaldy. From here, it is distributed to a number os other companies for reprocessing. With the current economic situation, the majority of this is reprocessed in the UK at present. The cardboard is made into new cardboard packaging.
Glass
Glass is taken to a company in Alloa for reprocessing. The glass is melted down, put into a mould, and blown into its final shape. The surface of the glass is then sprayed with a coating to increase its strength. Clear glass is primarily used for Scottish whisky, brown for beer bottles in Germany, and green glass for wine bottles in France.
Plastic bottles
Plastic bottles are sent to Leicestershire, where they are made into new plastic bottles.
Tins and cans
Cans and tins are taken to Recycle Fife in Lochgelly, where magnets are used to seperate steel cans from aluminium ones. Aluminium is sent to British Aluminium in Alloa. These are made into products such as new cans and staples.
Textiles
Textiles are collected by Nathans Wastesavers and taken to Denny near Falkirk to be sorted by hand. Good quality clothes are reused by charity shops or sent to developing companies such as Africa. Worn or damaged textiles are ripped into wiping clothes for local industries, such as factories or oil rigs. Some textiles are shredded and used for filling mattresses, or for making carpet tiles or insulation. 98% of the textiles that are collected are reused or recycled, with 76% being reused.