WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING

The School is committed to promoting sustainable waste management through the reduction of waste generation, and by maximising recycling of materials.

We require the full support of our staff, students and visitors to make recycling successful.

We ask you to help us address changing our behaviours and habits. So, remember the American Indian proverb, ''We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children."

ENVIRONMENTAL CHAMPIONS

As a large School which focuses on both theoretical and experimental research and teaching, our estate encompasses a wide range of activities within 3 separate buildings. These core activities take place within our extensive provision of teaching space, computer lab and experimental lab space and, a rooftop observatory.

Therefore, within the School Green Team, we aim to have environmental champions that ensure that we best represent our core activities and categories of all staff and students.

The School is committed to promoting sustainable waste management through the reduction of waste generation, and by maximising recycling of materials. We require the full support of our staff, students and visitors to make recycling successful.

SCHOOL GREEN TEAM 

As a School we encourage membership and participation within our Green Team.

Please do contact Maths & Physics Green Team mp.greenteam@qub.ac.uk  for further information on how to take part and advance our progress. 

Remit of the Team:

• To develop and improve the sustainability practices of the school of Maths & Physics in accordance with the University’s vision to become a net zero organisation.
• To promote environmentally sustainable practices within the school and encourage an environmentally conscious workplace.
• To share good practice and promote continuous improvement.
• To establish appropriate procedures to ensure effective communications within the school on issues discussed and decisions taken by the team, plus appropriate communication with other University centres such as Estates.
• Proactively distribute environmental information and advice from the University Green Impact Team, including emails, posters and other communications.
• To complete a sustainability walk around checklist each year.
• To oversee the maintenance of the green space on the 2nd floor terrace in main physics and investigate the viability of other environmental projects within the School.
• To maintain the maths and physics green team notice board and web pages.

LIGHTS AND NON-ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT

We actively strive to reduce our energy consumption and reduce our School carbon footprint. We encourage all staff and students to switch off all non-essential electrical items when not in use. Remember, think green and switch off all lights when you are not in the room.

PRINT CHAMPION

For any issues relating to the use of our School MFD’s or equipment issues or faults, please email the School Office at mp@qub.ac.uk

Think smart – Reducing our carbon footprint and unnecessary paper waste!

• Reduce your paper consumption and email when possible. When it is necessary to print or photocopy, make sure you do so on double sided pages to greatly reduce the amount of paper used.
• Only use MFDs to copy and print - the use of desktop printers is not prohibited.
• Scan documents rather than making a print copy where possible.

PAPER AND THIN CARD

Paper recycling bins are located throughout the buildings. Bins are emptied as and when required by the individual office user. The individual office user is responsible for emptying and replacing their own white recycling bags.

Recycling boxes are not to be used for general waste. Please see below for further information.

https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/EstatesDirectorate/SustainabilityatQueens/WasteandRecycling/ 

When the contents reach the fill line, the bag must be removed and replaced. The bags must be securely fastened with a tag and must be taken to your local deposit point:

• Main Physics: Please take all items to the Ground Floor IRCEP Corridor (OG.045), were there is a cage just beyond the pigeon holes, for secure drop off. Please scan your card for access to the corridor.
• Old Physics: Please securely place items in LG.024. Entry will be via a keylex code. Staff and PGRs can request the code from the School Office.
• Collection at Local Deposit Points - Recycling bags are collected each week on a Wednesday by Estates.

GENERAL AND FOOD WASTE

Plastic and household waste bins are also located throughout the buildings and we encourage staff to recycle. As part of the University Estates Strategy and Green Impact, please note that office bins are emptied on a weekly basis only. As a School, we encourage all staff to use the shared household waste bins and these are emptied on a daily basis.

Food or any other general waste goes to the household recycling bin in the corridors, which are emptied each morning by cleaning staff.

GLASS WASTE

• Glass can be recycled at the following location: Back of the South Dining Hall.
• Mixed glass (clear and coloured) can be placed in the glass bins.