Exeter students given chance to lead the way with recycling scheme

The importance of such schemes is highlighted by a survey, conducted by CCE, which has revealed that students are especially keen to have on-the-go recycling to match their on-the-go lifestyles.

Students rank slightly below the national average when it comes to recycling at home, with 82% saying they recycle at least weekly, against a national average of 87%*. However, the vast majority of UK students - nine out of ten - think there should be more focus on recycling in public, saying it is important for recycling facilities to be available to people when they are not at home.

In fact, 74% of students say they would recycle more if recycling areas were more readily available in their area. It is hoped that more students, colleges and universities in the UK will follow Exeter’s lead and review their public recycling facilities.

The new Recycle Zones will help to engage Exeter’s students and staff in the recycling process and improve the quality and quantity of recycling across its campuses.

To coincide with the launch of the zones, guides on recycling have been provided for all students and staff.  The new Recycle Zones are a key part of the University’s commitment to increase the amount of waste it recovers for recycling and compost by 45% by the end of 2015**.

A ‘Recycle Zone’ is a public facility developed and funded by CCE for recycling soft drinks packaging, and aims to encourage people to recycle their cans and plastic bottles when they are away from home.

The Recycle Zone project is a partnership between CCE, WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and plastics recycling charity RECOUP that combines each organisation’s expertise and forms part of CCE’s wider Keep It Going sustainable packaging programme. There are currently 90 zones across Great Britain, with plans to open a total of 120 zones by March 2011.
 
Alan Tancock, account executive, CCE said: “Over recent years recycling in the home and at work has become easier and easier.  However, recycling options on the streets and in public areas are still few and far between.

“We are committed to reducing the impact of our packaging, and to recycling as much of that packaging as possible. We know that many of our products are consumed whilst ‘on-the-go’, and so we are committed to providing convenient recycling solutions that help our consumers become involved in the recycling process.”

Karen Gallagher, Sustainability Manager,University of Exeter, said: “Environmental sustainability is a key focus at The University of Exeter. Our University’s research into the causes and consequences of environmental change is world-leading and we are equally committed to making sure that our own activities are sustainable. Participating in the Recycle zone project will help us to focus on the development of more sustainable waste management practices and improve the quality and quantity of recycling across our Exeter campuses.”

82% of students recycle at home every week

• Nine out of ten students say it is important for recycling facilities to be more available in public spaces
• 74% of students would recycle more often if recycling areas were more readily available in their area

Organisations can request more information about setting up Recycle Zones by visiting http://www.recycle-zone.co.uk/ or emailing rz@recoup.org