What You Need to Know

Great news for students living in University of Leeds halls! There’s a new way for you to make a positive impact on the environment while living on campus.

The UK has introduced new food waste laws that require businesses and other non-domestic premises, like student halls, to separate food waste from general waste and recycle it.

But what does this mean for you? Let’s break it down.

Why Should You Get Involved?

Signing up for food waste recycling may seem like a small change, but it has a big impact.

By separating your food waste for recycling, you help prevent contamination of recyclables, improve recycling efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, support biofuel production, and generate renewable energy!

It’s an easy way to support a greener, more sustainable university community.

Which Halls Can Sign Up?

If you live in one of the following halls, you can sign up to receive a food waste bin for your flat or shared house starting in March 2025:

• Central Village
• Charles Morris Hall
• Devonshire Hall (8 & 14 North Hill Road only)
• Ellerslie Global
• Family Accommodation
• Henry Price Residences
• Lyddon Hall (excluding main building)
• Shared Houses

Not Included? Here’s Why!

You might notice that Lyddon Hall's main building isn’t on the list, and that's because there are some ongoing works around the bin store area.

For our other sites, the waste collection is facilitated by Leeds City Council, who will start their food waste collections a little later in March 2026.

How Does the Food Waste System Work?

Get Your Bin
Once you sign up, Residential Services will provide you with a food waste recycling bin (one per kitchen) and biodegradable bags to use. If you need extra biodegradable bags, just pop by the main reception at your residence to collect them. For those living in shared housing on campus, head to 96a Clarendon Place.

What Can You Recycle?
Check the sticker on your bin to see exactly what can and can’t be recycled. This helps keep the process efficient and ensures only food waste ends up in the green bins.

Empty the Bin Regularly.
Try to empty your food waste bin before it gets too full. If you’re heading out for a few days, make sure to dispose of it beforehand.

Drop It Off.
Once your bin is full, simply take the food waste to the green food waste bins located in the bin stores on your site.

Weekly Collection.
Your food waste will be collected every week, usually on a Thursday, so you don’t have to worry about it piling up.

Return the Bin at the End of the Year.
When you’re heading home at the end of the academic year, remember to clean and return your food waste bin to the reception. It’ll be stored until the new year starts and is ready to go for the next group of students.

Ready to Sign Up?

It's a quick, easy, and meaningful way to make a difference.

If you're in one of the eligible residences, be sure to sign up using the form below for your food waste bin and join in making your university halls more sustainable!