Waste and recycling in halls of residence

Living in halls is an exciting part of student life and by managing your waste correctly, you’re also helping to protect the environment here in Wales.

Treforest Accommodation Block

Welcome to your new home! Living in halls is an exciting part of student life and by managing your waste correctly, you’re also helping to protect the environment here in Wales.

Wales is proudly ranked number 2 in the world for recycling, and this success depends on everyone doing their part. Waste and recycling across Wales are regulated by Natural Resources Wales, meaning we must follow strict rules on how waste is sorted, stored, and collected. Getting it wrong doesn’t just impact the environment; it can also create safety risks and legal issues.

By following the guidance below, you’ll help keep our halls clean, safe, compliant, and sustainable.

Sorting your waste: The 5 required waste streams

All waste in halls must be separated into five specific waste streams. Each type of waste has its own bag and bin, please do not mix items.

Clear bags

  • Newspapers, magazines, envelopes
  • Cardboard packaging (flatten boxes where possible)
  • No food contaminated paper (e.g. greasy pizza boxes)

Clear bags

  • Drink cans and food tins
  • Plastic bottles, tubs and trays
  • Drink cartons (e.g milk or juice)
  • No food or liquid contamination

Clear bags

  • Bottles and jars only
  • No broken glass, ceramics, crockery or Pyrex (General Waste)

Green biodegradable bags - food waste bin

  • All cooked and uncooked food
  • Leftovers, peelings, bread, rice and pasta
  • Tea bags and coffee grounds
  • No packaging or liquids

Black bags – non‑recyclable waste

  • Items that cannot be recycled
  • Please keep this to a minimum wherever possible

I sicrhau gall eich ailgylchu gwirioneddol cael ei ailgylchu: 

  • Defnyddiwch y bag cywir ar gyfer pob ffrwd wastraff 
  • Rhowch wastraff yn y bin cywir 
  • Sicrhewch fod eitemau'n wag ac yn lân lle bo modd 
  • Dim halogiad -  gall un eitem anghywir achosi i'r bin cyfan gael ei wrthod  

Os w eich ailgylchu wedi’i halogi, trinnir fel gwastraff cyffredinol, gan ddileu'r holl waith da a wnaethoch chi a'ch cyd-fyfyrwyr. 

Mae bagiau am ddim, casglwch o swyddfa'r llety. 

Other waste: what not to put in the bins 

Some items are never allowed in waste or recycling bins. These items are dangerous, can cause fires, and in some cases, it is against the law to dispose of them incorrectly

Includes anything with a plug, cable, or electronic parts:

  • Kettles, toasters, lamps
  • Chargers, headphones, hair dryers
  • Do not place electrical items in any bin. This is against the law and presents a serious fire risk
  • What to do instead, Raise a job on Planon for safe collection and disposal

Batteries and vapes are one of the leading causes of fires in waste areas.

  • Never put batteries or vapes in any bin. They can ignite when crushed or compacted
  • What to do instead: Drop off batteries and vapes at the Accommodation Office

Includes desks, chairs, wardrobes, bed parts, and shelving.

  • Do NOT leave furniture in bin stores, corridors, or communal areas.
  • What to do instead: Raise a job on Planon so removal can be arranged safely.

Why getting it right matters

By following this guidance, you help to:

  • Prevent fires and injuries
  • Keep halls clean and welcoming
  • Reduce landfill and carbon emissions
  • Meet legal and environmental requirements
  • Keep Wales among the world’s recycling leaders

If you’re ever unsure, don’t guess, check signage, ask staff, or raise a job on Planon.

Thank you for doing your part to keep our halls safe, responsible, and sustainable.