The University of Liverpool has launched a new Waste and Resources Management Plan, setting out its approach to sustainable waste and resource management from 2026 to 2031.
Building on the success of the previous Waste Management Plan 2021–2025, the new plan provides a clear framework for reducing waste, maximising reuse and recycling, and supporting the University’s transition towards a circular economy.
The plan takes a data-led approach to tackling priority waste streams based on volume, environmental impact, carbon emissions, cost and risk. It also supports the University’s wider sustainability ambitions, including our Net Zero commitment, environmental compliance and continued ISO 14001 accreditation.
Supporting a circular economy
The Waste and Resources Management Plan 2031 sets out how the University will work to prevent waste, retain the value of materials for longer, and promote a culture of reuse across its campuses.
It outlines the principles, processes and performance measures needed to support responsible material stewardship, while strengthening monitoring and reporting across waste streams.
The plan includes 12 targets, split across two key areas. Six strategic targets are aligned with wider University priorities, including carbon emissions, finance, monitoring and reporting, education and awareness, and research.
A further six targets focus on priority waste streams, including waste electrical and electronic equipment, clinical waste, hazardous waste, construction and maintenance waste, and general waste sent for incineration.
Building on progress
The new plan builds on the progress delivered through the Waste Management Plan 2021–2025, which focused on improving waste operations, expanding treatment options, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening waste data, developing guidance and embedding reuse across the University.
Key achievements included a 48% reduction in general waste sent for incineration with energy recovery, alongside the successful launch of Warp It, the University’s reuse platform, which has achieved savings of more than £370,000 as of June 2026.
Find out more
The full Waste and Resources Management Plan 2031 is available here.
For further information about waste and recycling on campus visit our dedicated webpages, or contact Rhiannon Hunt, Circular Economy Manager at rhiannon.hunt@liverpool.ac.uk or Sam Hay, Waste and Recycling Officer at s.hay@liverpool.ac.uk.