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Community Relations
Visitors studying an exhibition in the Chinese wing of the museum.

Recycling and Waste

Students living out of college must manage their recycling and waste in line with the Durham County Council requirements and in a manner that respects both the environment and their local community. Poor waste disposal habits can result in heavy fines, attract vermin, and negatively impact on pedestrians and neighbourhood wellbeing.

Good habits our students can get into include:

  • Placing all waste inside the designated bins, never to the side, and never in other people’s or businesses’ bins (without permission).
  • Following local recycling guidelines to sort items appropriately. Contaminating recycling bins with non-recyclable materials can result in the entire bin's contents being discarded as waste. In some cases, a contaminated bin may not be emptied at all.
  • Knowing where their bin is all times and reporting to their landlord in a timely manner if the bin is lost, damaged, or stolen.
  • Once collected, returning their bins within the property boundary/designated location on the same day of collection.
  • Keeping public footpaths clear of bins.
  • Keeping shared bins tidy and reporting any overflowing or damaged bins to ensure prompt collection.

Green Move Out

At the end of the academic year the Green Move Out scheme provides students with an organised way to donate unwanted items. Collections are made using the well-known purple bags, with donated items distributed to charity—offering a sustainable solution for end-of-year clean-ups.

Our students can help leave Durham tidy by:

  • Sorting and donating unwanted items.
  • Regularly disposing of waste throughout the term to prevent accumulation at term’s end.
  • Arranging for someone to return their bin to its place if they will be away during the final waste collection time.
  • Disposing of all waste legally and responsibly and avoiding fly tipping.
  • Taking any excess rubbish to the local Household Waste and Recycling Centre.

Additional Reading:

Waste collection policies - Durham County Council

Ask for a new bin - Durham County Council

Helping students recycle - Durham County Council

Household Waste and Recycling Centre - Pity Me  

Campaigns - Durham University - Green Move Out