If you still have doubts about the value of recycling canteen/food waste, here's some food for thought:

• Around 400 million tonnes of waste are produced in the UK each year
• Recycling paper uses 60% less energy than manufacturing paper from virgin timber.
• For each tonne of paper you recycle, you save: 17 trees; 64 gallons of oil; 42 gallons of gasoline; 4,210 kilowatt-hours; 7,000 gallons of water; and 3.5 cubic yards of landfill space.
• Recycling a glass jar saves enough energy to light a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.
• Recycling one tin can saves enough energy to power a television for three hours.

In essence, recycling is the separation, collection and processing of products and materials, and the manufacture of these materials into new products. A college or university campus is a wonderful place to start a recycling programme - particularly in the canteen, where a large amount of waste is generated. By initiating a recycling programme, not only can your canteen drastically reduce waste with minimal effort, it can also:

• Cut your institution's waste disposal costs.
• Possibly generate additional revenues for your institution.
• Provide opportunities for community partnerships.
• Reduce campus litter and the amount of space taken up by waste containers.

Proceed through this section of the EVC to learn more about recycling in a canteen setting. In addition, for useful links on non-hazardous waste recycling, click on the links below:

EAUC's Waste Management Guide

Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP)

DEFRA - Recycling and Waste