What is waste?

Waste is any material, substance, or byproduct that is no longer useful or wanted and is discarded. It can come from households, industries, agriculture, healthcare, and other sectors. Waste is typically categorized based on its origin, composition, and potential impact.

Types of waste

Solid waste - Includes everyday items discarded by the public, such as packaging, food scraps, furniture, and appliances

Liquid waste - Includes wastewater, chemicals, and oils from households or industries

Gaseous waste - Emissions from factories, vehicles, and other sources that pollute the air

Hazardous waste - Dangerous materials like chemicals, batteries, medical waste, and radioactive substances

Organic waste - Biodegradable waste such as food, garden clippings, and manure

Recyclable waste - Materials that can be processed and reused, like paper, glass, metals, and certain plastics

Support London Met in reaching our recycling goal!

We currently recycle 52.6% of our waste produced on campus. Our goal is to reach 75% by 2027! We need YOUR help to achieve this. From 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025, 249.6 tonnes of waste was removed from London Metropolitan University in total.

We need YOU to support us in achieving our recycling goal by segregating your waste and being more sustainable!

Why proper waste management matters?

Environmental Impact - Improper disposal can lead to pollution of air, water, and soil

Health Risks - Waste can attract pests, spread disease, and contaminate drinking water

Resource Management - Reducing and recycling waste helps conserve natural resources and energy

Useful links about waste, waste management and its impact on our lives

Business waste and environmental impact - UK

How our trash impacts the environment - Earth Day

Biodiversity & the effect of human interaction on ecosystems - BBC

Waste categories at London Metropolitan University

Sustainable living ideas for you!

We also received some great ideas at the Welcome Day of ways we can be more sustainable, some great ideas which can help us achieve our goals:

• Reusable bags instead of plastic or paper bags
• Reusable drink bottles
• Reusable coffee cups
• Less single use plastic and packaging, more reusable items!