At UW/H, we use around 1.4 million sheets of copy paper a year, of which around 90% are Blue Angel certified.

For external and frequently decentralized print jobs (e.g. flyers, brochures, catalogs), products with the Blue Angel certificate should be selected wherever possible. Please take responsibility for selecting the appropriate paper.

According to an updated life cycle assessment by the Federal Environment Agency, recycled paper saves the following environmental media on average compared to virgin fiber paper:

    78 percent water
    68 percent energy
    15 percent CO2

Detailed calculations can be found in the sustainability calculator and generally good information on the advantages of recycled paper can also be found in this brochure.

The following waste separation system is in place at UW/H: there are paper bins in the offices with an insert for other waste such as packaging, residual waste or organic waste. The paper waste is emptied as usual, the remaining waste must be separated and disposed of by yourself. There are several options for this in the tea kitchens and corridors of the buildings. Students can also dispose of their waste there.

There are collection points for the disposal of cigarette butts at the following locations:

• At the entrance to Cafe Larix (by the railing)
• At the red sofa outside (garbage can, in the direction of the bus stop)
• At the rear entrance of the main campus building
• In the Stockumer Str.

Tip: The waste garbage cans in the cafeteria by the crockery return have a pedal at the bottom, which enables contactless waste disposal.

• Plastic: Cups (e.g. yoghurt cups), polystyrene trays, plastic bags, plastic bottles (e.g. washing-up liquid, detergent, juice bottles).
• Metal: Beverage and food cans, lids and caps of jars.
• Composite packaging: Beverage cartons, coffee vacuum packs

• Handkerchiefs and soiled paper
• Receipts made of white thermal paper
• Photos and photo paper
• Light bulbs (BUT no energy-saving bulbs!)
• Sweepings
• Porcelain and drinking glasses

• Peelings, leftovers, seeds from fruit, vegetables and nuts
• Coffee grounds and loose tea
• Food leftovers - including cooked food, meat, cheese rinds
• Inedible and mouldy food without packaging

Cigarette butts are classified as hazardous waste due to the many toxic substances they contain. They are therefore collected at four locations at UW/H and then recycled professionally.

Why is this important?

Cigarette butts that are not disposed of properly are not only unsightly, but also cause considerable extra work for our facility management. They also pose a considerable risk to the environment and pets. The toxic substances in cigarette butts are washed directly into the soil around the university and harm microorganisms. This is contrary to our goal of promoting a green campus with a high level of biodiversity.

We therefore ask everyone to use the collection stations to reduce the workload for Facility Management and to take joint responsibility for cleanliness and low pollution.

Our partner: Tobacycle

Tobacycle specializes in collecting and recycling cigarette butts in an environmentally friendly way in order to minimize the negative impact of smoking on people and the environment. The cigarette butts are collected dry in special collection containers, stored in separate garbage cans and collected by Tobacycle. Tobacycle recycles the cigarette butts professionally and produces new products from the residual materials.

Locations of the collection bins

• At the entrance to Cafe Larix (by the railing)
• At the red sofa outside
• At the back entrance of the main campus building