Waste separation at the UG
This page tells you all about waste separation at the UG, from collection to processing.
How do we seperate waste at the UG?
At the UG, we separate our waste into four types of waste flows: paper, plastics, organic food waste and other waste. Hazardous waste produced in our laboratories is collected separately.
All UG buildings have waste bin islands. They are a collection of waste bins of different colours designating the different types of waste. The bins are emptied regularly.
What goes where?
The table below shows what goes in which bin. Click on the tekst below the table to enlarge it.
What happens with our separated waste?
Since 2026, the University of Groningen has been operating under a revamped waste collection scheme. A more integrated approach has been adopted, with a single main contractor for general waste and additional partnerships for specific waste streams. This contributes to our sustainability objectives and ensures greater clarity and efficiency in implementation.
How do we manage waste at the University of Groningen?
At the University of Groningen, we sort waste into different streams so that materials can be reused or recycled to the greatest extent possible. The main waste streams are:
-
Paper (including confidential paper)
-
PD (plastic packaging and drink cartons)
-
Organic waste
-
Residual waste
Regular waste is collected by PreZero. For PD waste, the University of Groningen works with Verpact through the ‘Afval Goed Geregeld’ programme.
In all buildings, you will find waste collection points with clearly marked waste streams.
What can you do?
Managing waste is teamwork. Here are a couple of useful tips for you:
-
Try to produce as little waste as possible. You might consider reusing packaging materials or other items you would otherwise throw out.
-
Be mindful and think about what goes where. You do not want to ‘pollute’ the waste flows. This would be the case when, for instance, there is too much plastic in the paper bin or if the paper is too greasy or covered in food residue. The recycling company would have to clean the recycled waste before being able to process it. This is a time-consuming and costly process. What is more, it can cause some of the waste to become unsuitable for recycling.
-
Make sure that plastic containers are clean when you put them in the plastic bin. Containers don’t need to be clean, but they must be empty. So make sure you’ve shaken, scraped and poured them out before throwing them away. If a container is impossible to clean, you should think of it as residual waste.
-
Help spread awareness of the importance of recycling.
Why do we separate waste?
-
More recycling means less waste processing. This will reduce waste processing-related greenhouse gas emissions.
-
We lower the cost of waste processing: if we do a good job of separating waste, it is likely to be easier and less costly to process.
-
We save on raw materials: if we separate waste properly, it will be easier to reuse or recycle certain materials.
-
Separating waste raises awareness and inspires people to participate in the transition to a circular economy.
Frequently asked questions
Does it make sense to collect organic waste separately?
Food and organic waste contain many biodegradable materials. That makes it suitable for composting to make fertiliser. By collecting organic waste separately, we make sure that this waste is composted instead of taken to landfill. This is better for the environment as it reduces the amount of waste released into the soil and lowers the required waste processing capacity.
Collecting organic waste separately also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Biodegradable waste that is taken to landfill is likely to rot and produce greenhouse gases. By separating and composting it rather than sending it to landfill, we help to reduce waste-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know that, if you separate one type of waste, it should be food and organic waste? Organic waste mixed with residual waste is difficult to separate because it tends to be wet and sticky.
Is separating waste cost-effective?
Yes, it is. It is cheaper to separate waste than to mix all waste types together. Materials such as paper, glass, metal and textiles have value: unlocking this value by recycling them lowers the cost of collecting and processing waste. Collecting and recycling organic waste into compost and other biodegradable products is more cost-effective than incineration.
Does the environment actually benefit from waste separation?
Yes, it does. If we are better at separating waste, a larger share of it can be reused rather than being sent to landfill. This is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the amount of waste released into the soil and lowers the required waste processing capacity. Separating waste also helps to increase reuse and recycling, which reduces demand for raw materials.
Do you have questions about the waste policy? Let us know via communicatie.facilitair@rug.nl.