Recycling and saving energy

Recycling

Located across campus are hundreds of black and white dual recycling bins that accept all streams of waste.

Recycling waste from halls of residences (Loring Hall and Dean House only) follows Lewisham Council's Recycling rules with each of the buildings having recycling bins in place.

At the end of the autumn and summer terms, three large recycling bins are placed in the Loring Hall quadrant where departing students can donate good quality, clean clothing and shoes, bedding, kitchen utensils, liquid soaps and detergents as well as unopened packets of food.

The contents of each bin are then sorted and donated to local charities. Volunteers who help with the sorting are invited to as many of the items home as they can carry and typically leave with bags of great quality everyday items.

Below is a list of commonly used items and information on whether they can be recycled or not:

Tetrapacks

These can be recycled, but please ensure it is rinsed and empty first.

Rinsed dirty plastic food containers

These can be recycled.

Soiled paper

Only dry, unsoiled paper can be recycled.

Coffee cup lids

These can be recycled, and the cardboard heat strap too, so long as it’s not wet or soiled.

Plastic milk containers

These can be recycled. They don’t need to be spotless, so long as there isn’t any milk left in them.

Paper towels and kitchen towels

These cannot be recycled.

Plastic cups and cutlery

These items can go in the recycling section of the bin if clean.

Electronic waste

Email estates (@gold.ac.uk) or call 020 7919 7121 to arrange collection.

Food waste

Waste food caddies are provided in all kitchens. 

Glass

Separate waste bins for glass bottles and jars are provided in all kitchens.

Saving energy

There are lots ways residents can help to save energy:

• Switch off lights when you leave your room
• Only fill the kettle with the water you need
• Cook with lids on pans to keep in the heat
• Wash your clothes maximising the machine’s capacity
• Turn off your shower fully after use
• Shower efficiently
• Switch off appliances when not in use
• Do not have your window open and your radiator on at the same time
• Ventilate your room from time to time
• Cook as a flat to conserve energy

Saving water

There are lots of ways residents can save on water consumption:

• Wash your clothes maximising the machine’s capacity
• Turn off your shower fully after use
• Shower efficiently
• Do not leave the tap running and fully secure it after use
• Report all leaks to Estates as soon as you discover them estates (@gold.ac.uk)
• Wash food efficiently instead of running the tap
• Do not wash dishes by leaving the tap running