At an institution as large as Heinrich Heine University, a lot of waste is accumulated, not just in the office kitchenettes. This overview explains where to dispose of which materials – from paper to hazardous waste – properly. Every little bit helps and all HHU members can make a contribution.

There are 19 container sites for residual waste, paper and even waste glass on campus (see map). The latter in particular should not just be left out for the cleaners; instead, everyone should take their glass to the bottle banks themselves. Perhaps simply on the way home?

Pilot project: Introduction of yellow recycling bins

HHU is currently implementing a pilot project to expand the existing waste separation system on campus. In a first step, the existing set of waste bins in front of the University and State Library and in building complex 25 will be supplemented by yellow bins for the separation and recycling of packaging materials, and blue bins for the separation and collection of waste paper.

What belongs in the yellow recycling bins?

• Aluminium foil and dishes
• Tins
• Bottle caps
• Plastic film and containers
• Milk and drinks cartons
• Plastic pots
• Polystyrene

Not permitted:

• Bio-waste
• Paper and cardboard
• Residual waste
• Glass packaging

What belongs in the paper containers?

• Paper and cardboard
• Cardboard packaging (folded/in small pieces)
• Magazines

Not permitted:

• Coated or soiled paper or composite materials such as copy or fax paper
• Documents containing personal data
• Photos
• Gift wrap (coated)
• Sanitary paper (soiled)
• Carbon/carbonless paper
• Milk and drinks cartons
• Thermographic/thermal transfer paper
• Envelopes with plastic padding material

What belongs in the residual waste?

• Autoclaved, i.e. sealed, waste
• Sanitary items
• Damaged plastic bags
• Films and clear plastic pockets
• Office waste (excl. paper and cardboard)
• Smaller packaging and filler materials

Not permitted:

• Electrical devices
• “Green Dot” packaging
• Paper and cardboard
• Problem waste (e.g. batteries, oil, chemicals)

Where are the bottle banks located?

As the bottle banks are in part rarely used, there are currently only three sets on campus: by building 16.11 (marked as location no. 1 on the map), by building 23-03 (location no. 4) and behind the library (location no. 11). There are also bottle banks (which do not belong to HHU) by the Studierendenwerk building 27.21, at the Botanical Garden and at various locations around the University Hospital premises. These can be used by everyone.

In most cases, there are white and green containers; brown and blue glass can also be put in the green container. It is important that only clear glass bottles and glass vessels are put in the white container – otherwise this material cannot be recycled. Please remove lids beforehand and do not leave them on the top of the container where they can fall off and pollute the environment. In case of doubt, you can leave them on the glasses/jars and bottles as an exception – this does however result in more sorting workload later on.

Separate disposal of laboratory glass

In the past, waste glass from laboratories at HHU could only be handed in at specific times. Now, a special container – which can be accessed at any time – has been located between buildings 26.42 and 26.43, eliminating the need for specific times for handing in glass. Small flaps can be raised into which you can throw bottles and glass vessels, which contained chemicals. The container stands on a paved area and openings are also located on the rear of the container.

What belongs in this glass container:

• Clear glass
• Brown glass
• Green glass
• Glass packaging
• Sales packaging made of glass
• Single-use/returnable glass bottles
• Chemical bottles (cleaned, without residues, unrecognisable hazard symbols)
• Borosilicate glass
• Cullet
• Plate glass

Not permitted:

• China
• Ceramics
• Mirrors
• Residual waste
• Thermometers
• Glass (filled)

Bulky waste

Everything that does not fit through the container openings should be reported to the Work Order Centre (auftragszentrale@hhu.de; tel.: extension -14444) – the items will be gathered and disposed of separately. The same applies for larger volumes of electrical/electronic scrap, metals, pallets, packaging, timber, glass bottles, fluorescent lighting tubes, etc. Leaving waste next to the containers is strictly prohibited and will be prosecuted. Furniture that is no longer needed should also be reported to the Work Order Centre, which coordinates collection rounds on campus.

Household batteries and toner cartridges

Household batteries and empty toner cartridges do not belong in the residual waste – they are recycled and can be handed in at all post rooms. The caretakers (in building complexes 23, 25 and 26) will kindly deal with the rest of the process.

Hazardous waste collection vehicle

A hazardous waste collection vehicle also comes to the campus every three months. It collects hazardous and environmentally harmful substances including e.g. old varnishes and paints, spray cans containing residues, household detergents (observe information on the labels), solvents or adhesive residues, energy-saving lightbulbs or leftover medication. The appointments are announced e.g. on the Intranet and via the TechnikNews information service (German only). All HHU members can simply go to the collection point and hand in whatever waste they have accumulated. Please note that the collection service is only for materials, which have not come from laboratory operations. The central chemicals storeroom (ZCL) (German only) remains responsible for the disposal of hazardous laboratory chemicals.