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Waste separation

It goes without saying that Maastricht University wants to create as little waste as possible. We can achieve this together by purchasing more intelligently and making agreements about packaging materials and the reusability of products, for example. We want to ensure that any waste that is still released is processed as sustainably as possible. We do this by separating our waste, so that as much waste as possible can be recycled and valuable raw materials are not lost. UM and its waste collector, PreZero, have agreed on a joint target. In 2022, 41% of our waste was recycled. By 2028, we aim to recycle 65% of our waste to reduce our indirect CO2 emissions and contribute to a circular economy. Incidentally, our general waste is incinerated with energy recovery.

We are already on the road to 2028. You can help us by separating your waste in the proper manner.

What does waste separation at UM entail?

Waste bins consisting of various compartments have been placed in central locations – such as corridors, break rooms, and catering locations. These waste bins can consist of different compositions: glass (yellow) - plastic (orange) - paper (blue) - food scraps (green) - residual waste (grey).

What happens to the separated waste?

The different waste streams are processed in a separate manner. To ensure the separated waste can truly be reused, it should not contain too many items that do not belong there. For example, it is not possible to recycle paper if it is too greasy (which is why pizza boxes and used tissues or napkins are not allowed in with the paper waste). By collecting the waste streams separately, valuable raw materials are preserved, and fewer new raw materials and energy are needed for the production of new materials.

Glass
Glass is a raw material that can be recycled without loss of quality. The collected glass is sorted, cleaned, and processed into new glass bottles and jars.

Paper
Old paper and cardboard are processed into new paper and cardboard products. Paper fibers can be reused multiple times, making old paper an important raw material for the production of new paper and cardboard. 

Plastic, metal, and beverage cartons (PMD) 
After collection, plastic, metal, and beverage packaging are sorted and recycled into new raw materials. Recycled plastic is used to make new packaging, textile fibers, and household items, among other things. Metal packaging can be recycled almost without limitation without loss of quality. Beverage cartons are processed into paper fibers, plastic, and aluminum.

Swill
Swill consists of food scraps and other organic waste. This is processed into compost and biogas. Compost is used to enrich the soil and support plant growth. The biogas released during the processing can be used to generate sustainable energy.

Residual waste
Residual waste consists of waste streams that are not suitable for reuse or recycling. This waste is processed in waste-to-energy plants where it is incinerated.

Waste separation guides

To help students and staff as effectively as possible with correctly separating waste, we have prepared various manuals for the university buildings.