FOI_26-322 Simpler Recycling initiative
Date of response: 12 November 2026
We have now considered your request of 10 November 2026 for the following information:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and/or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, as applicable, please could you provide the following information about your organisation’s implementation of the workplace Simpler Recycling requirements.
For the period 1 April 2024 to 31 October 2026:
Question 1. Did your organisation make changes to its waste and recycling arrangements specifically in preparation for, or as a result of, Simpler Recycling?
Our response:
No. The University already operated separate waste and recycling collection streams prior to the introduction of Simpler Recycling requirements. A review of current practices was undertaken; however, no material changes to waste, and recycling arrangements were required solely because of Simpler Recycling. The University did undertake a compliance review with food waste rollout, signage updates, or contract discussions with Norse Environmental Waste Services at the time.
Question 2. Please provide any capital or revenue expenditure specifically recorded as being attributable to preparing for or implementing Simpler Recycling.
Where already held in this format, please break this down into:
o new or additional bins/containers;
o relabelling or signage;
o additional or changed collection services;
o changes to waste contracts;
o staff communications or training;
o other implementation costs.
Our response:
Not applicable.
No separate budget was established, and no implementation costs were recorded against this initiative.
Question 3. Where recorded, please provide:
o the number of new or additional waste/recycling containers purchased or leased;
o the number of existing containers relabelled or repurposed.
Our response:
Not applicable.
No new or additional waste or recycling containers were purchased or leased specifically for Simpler Recycling.
No existing containers were relabelled or repurposed specifically because of Simpler Recycling requirements.
Question 4. Was an existing waste contract varied, re-tendered or replaced specifically because of Simpler Recycling?
If yes, please indicate whether this involved:
o varying an existing contract;
o adding an additional service;
o re-tendering;
o introducing a new contract;
o another recorded change.
Our response:
Please see our response to question 1.
Question 5. Where separately recorded, please provide any additional annual or one-off waste service cost attributed specifically to these changes.
Our response:
Not applicable.
Question 6. Where held, please provide a copy of, or link to, the principal staff guidance or communication issued about the Simpler Recycling changes.
Our response:
Not applicable.