CUSTOMER
Waste Management Services for Universities & Colleges
From packed student halls and busy canteens to lecture theatres, libraries and IT suites, universities and colleges typically generate a huge amount of waste every day. With so many people, places and materials in the mix, managing waste across a multi-site campus can feel like a logistical nightmare.
That’s where First Mile can help. We’re experts at helping higher education institutions manage diverse waste streams in a way that’s simple, sustainable and scalable. Whether it’s food waste from dining facilities, paper from admin offices, or e-waste from IT labs, we’ll tailor a college or university waste management solution that works for your needs, aligns with your sustainability goals and helps you stay compliant.
Our flexible services are built around busy academic calendars, peak term times and student-led green initiatives. You can also rest easy, as we’re backed by clear carbon reporting and have a zero-to-landfill guarantee.
Paper Recycling
Cardboard Recycling
WEEE Recycling
Dry Mixed Recycling
General Waste
Batteries Recycling
First Mile offers flexible collection services that are designed to fit around the unique needs of universities and colleges. Whether you need a centralised or decentralised collection plan, we can help. Our services are tailored to:
- Daily, weekly or term-time-specific collections that match your campus calendar.
- Summer break clear-outs and move-out collections to tackle end-of-term waste peaks.
- Support for events, graduation days and student fairs with responsive, one-off services.
- Scalable solutions that flex with your needs – whether that’s a single building or a multi-site estate.
- One point of contact for all your service locations, making coordination easy and efficient.
Universities are at the forefront of sustainable innovation. Today, students increasingly expect their institutions to take meaningful action on the climate crisis. That’s how we can help you. We support student-led green initiatives, staff recycling programmes and campus-wide sustainability efforts with:
- Education and engagement – We can help staff and students understand the importance of correct bin usage to reduce contamination.
- Impact reporting – We provide clear data on recycling rates, carbon savings and waste diverted from landfill.
- Communication support – We’ll give you resources to help showcase progress in university marketing, league tables and open days.
- Partnership opportunities – We can collaborate on green events, campaigns and competitions to boost engagement.
As a university or college, you must navigate strict regulations when it comes to waste disposal. First Mile helps you stay fully compliant and worry-free. Our key services include:
- GDPR-compliant confidential shredding – Secure disposal of staff and student records.
- Certified e-waste recycling – Safe, responsible collection and data-wiping of IT equipment, AV gear and devices.
- Adherence to UK recycling reforms – Simpler Recycling requirements for correct segregation.
- Duty of care documentation and waste tracking – Clear records for audits, inspections and compliance needs.
- Carbon reporting tools – We help sustainability teams track and report emissions as part of ESG strategies.
OUR BENEFITS
Get a custom quote for university waste services
Ready to simplify waste management across your campus? First Mile makes it easy. Get a quick, no-obligation quote that is tailored to your university’s needs. Whether you’re a single college or a multi-site institution, our team of experts is here to help audit your waste streams, assess your requirements and set up services that work for you.
We’ll help you hit the ground running, with easy onboarding, clear reporting, and support to get started during term time or holidays. Get a quote online in minutes, or call us on 03301 738 798 to make waste one less thing to worry about.
How can universities recycle electronics responsibly?
We offer secure, certified WEEE recycling for IT equipment, printers, phones and AV technology. Devices are data-wiped or securely destroyed in line with GDPR, giving you peace of mind that sensitive data stays protected.
What food waste services are available for canteens and halls?
We collect food waste from canteens, cafés, dining halls and halls of residence. We supply bins and bags for easy separation and process food waste through anaerobic digestion. This turns leftovers into renewable energy.
Do you cover multiple buildings and departments?
We work with complex estates, offering either centralised or building-by-building services – all managed through one account manager, with unified reporting across all sites.
Can waste data be used in sustainability reporting?
Our digital platform tracks waste by type, weight and destination. We also support your ESG goals with carbon impact reporting you can use for annual statements, sustainability plans or student marketing.
Get in touch
We'd love to hear from you to discuss your recycling needs and provide a tailor-fit quote for your business.
