Here is a list of things you can do to help us become one of the most sustainable universities in the world.

The ultimate guide to recycling at Sussex

We all need to do more to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste that we produce in our daily lives. 

We currently recycle a third of our waste on campus. Read our latest guide to help us get this to 50% by the end of 2025.

Recycling at EAT Central

We've recently made it even easier to separate out all your waste in Eat Central. When you've finished your meal, you can clear your tray into each of the bins, following the labels and images for guidance.

You can recycle food waste, compostable food containers and cutlery, plastic bottles and cans. There’s even a separate bin for coffee cups, and we're working on recycling these very soon!

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Join the returnable cup scheme

Did you know that in October 2023, more than 17,000 cups were thrown away in just five cafes here on campus? That's why we have launched a new scheme to save thousands of disposable coffee cups from going into the bin. 

You can now join our returnable cup scheme in Eat Central, Botanical Café, the Library Café, ACCA Cafe and the Veg Bowl @ Dhaba. It’s really convenient and you don’t even need to carry your empty cup around – you can just swap it for a keyring token until you're next on campus!

Recycling in Brighton and Hove

Do you live in Brighton and Hove? Like on campus, you can only recycle plastic bottles, cardboard and paper, and cans and tins at home; you should also separate out your glass bottles and jars. You can’t recycle mixed plastic pots, tubs and trays – it’s plastic bottles only. You can’t recycle disposable coffee cups or foil either.  

To find out more about what to do with other unwanted items, take a look at this A-Z of recycling from the city council. 

Become a Green Impact Project Assistant

We’re looking for dedicated students to volunteer as Green Impact Project Assistants. In this role, you’ll work closely with a University School or department supporting their sustainability initiatives and helping them work towards a Green Impact award. Shape real-world sustainability at your University while building key professional skills. Find out more and apply now!  Applications close on Sunday 20 October 2024.

Join the student Climate Assembly

This is your chance to be part of something big. The Climate Assembly on 6 November is a unique, student-led initiative from the Students’ Union, aimed at making a real impact on sustainability at the University and beyond. Work directly in discussion groups with faculty, staff and fellow students to approach problems and shape projects on whichever topics you choose, such as green careers, sustainable food or campus biodiversity.

This is a fantastic opportunity to build your CV and gain invaluable experience collaborating on real-world environmental solutions, plus it’s a great way to connect with like-minded students and experts in sustainability.

If you’d like to attend and have any questions about the event or accessibility, email your Student Living and Sustainability Officer at elena.s@sussexstudent.com for more information. You can sign up for the Climate Assembly on the Students' Union website.

Recognition for your sustainability efforts

The Spirit of Sussex Award celebrates your extra-curricular and voluntary achievements, and there’s an Environment and Sustainability category!

By taking part in activities such as joining sustainability societies, clothes swaps, climate activism and participation in sustainability schemes, you can gain points towards either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Spirit of Sussex Award. These will be awarded at your graduation ceremony, so that your contribution to sustainability in your time at Sussex are recognised.

Follow @SustainableSussexUni on Instagram to stay up to date on ways you can help make the University more sustainable.