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Recycling on Campus: Global Recycling Day – 18 March
March 16, 2026
Global Recycling Day takes place on Wednesday 18 March, reminding us all to waste less and make use of the four R’s in our daily lives: recycle, reuse, reduce and recover.
Our Campus Progress: A Record Breaking Year
Thanks to the efforts of students and staff, the 2024–25 academic year saw our largest-ever improvement in recycling rates across both Penryn and Falmouth campuses:
- Recycling increased by 16%, saving 165 tonnes of waste from disposal.
- General waste reduced by 15%, down to 236 tonnes.
- Overall recycling rates rose from 34% to 41% — our biggest year on year jump.
A major factor in this success has been the significant increase in correct food waste disposal. More food waste is now being placed in the right bins and processed through anaerobic digestion — great work, everyone!
To support this, additional food waste bins have been provided to handle the increased volume and make the disposal of food waste easier. New bins with signage are also available across both campuses, making it clearer than ever where to put the correct waste. It is hoped the recycling rate will keep improving.
All of our mixed recycling is taken to Redruth where it is sorted by hand before being taken to recycling plants.
How You Can Help
Here’s how you can continue to reduce waste and support better recycling on campus:
- Use our campus A–Z waste and recycling guide to check how to dispose of specific items.
- Choose to eat in! Not only do you save money but reusing crockery and cutlery is the most sustainable option. A 20p surcharge is added for all takeaway purchases, this applies to all disposable eco-friendly food boxes, cutlery and cups.
- Bring your own reusable cup to save 20p on hot drinks in our campus cafes.
- Purchase a Circular & Co cup (£2 small / £3 large) from the Sustainability Café or Fox Café. Exchange it anytime for a freshly cleaned one — or return it for a refund. You’ll save 20p each time you reuse it.
Questions?
If you have any queries about recycling or waste on campus, please email recycling@fxplus.ac.uk.
In 2024-2025, across both Penryn and Falmouth Campuses, recycling increased by 16% when compared to the previous year with a saving of 165 tonnes. General waste decreased by 15% to 236 tonnes. This raised our overall recycling rate from 34% of waste recycled to 41%, which is the largest increase in the recycling rate ever seen on our campuses.
