The benefits of recycling in the education sector

There are lots of great business reasons to recycle, including:

• Helping to tackle climate change: According to Recycle Now current UK recycling is estimated to save more than 10-15 million tonnes of CO2 a year – the equivalent to taking 3.5 million cars off the road. Waste and recycling, especially food waste, is an important for all education settings because managing waste effectively and recycling as much as possible reduces consumption of natural resources and the production of greenhouse gases.

• Reducing costs for your organisation: recycling is often cheaper than disposal, and larger organisations could save £400-£1,000 a year per employee WRAP Business Resource Efficiency Guide: Green office guide. Use our business waste calculator to find out how much you could save.

• Attracting; motivating and retaining staff and students: students of any age now expect recycling as part of their education experience. A successful waste reduction and recycling programme depends on student and staff involvement and team-working. People who feel part of an organisation and are asked to be involved with projects are more likely to feel valued by their institution or employer.

• Complying with your reporting obligations: The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects data from all publicly funded higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK as well as a small number of private providers. The annual data collection streams include estates management data such as data on buildings, estates and environmental information about HEIs.

• Boosting your institution's sustainability credentials: A positive reputation for responsible waste management and effective recycling across all your departments and, where applicable, accommodations can boost the prestige of your institution by appealing to students and staff that are environmentally aware. Your setting can work towards one or more eco-accreditations. For schools and early years the Green Flag accreditation through the Eco-Schools Programme, and the Plastic Clever Schools award are available while the EAUC recognises exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by Universities and Colleges through the Green Gown Awards.

80% of young people (aged 18-22) entering the workforce ranked tackling single use plastics as important for employers, ahead of reducing electricity and water consumption. 37% said that they would consider a potential employer’s environmental responsibility when looking for a job. – Business in the Community, Lifting the Lid on Waste

It’s also worth acknowledging that employees, students, parents, Governors, and investors increasingly scrutinise how organisations operate. Setting bold public targets and demonstrating good practice in waste management sends a powerful message. It shows that your organisation assumes responsibility for the resources it uses and the waste it generates, demonstrates leadership, and shows your organisation to be forward-thinking.