LARGE green and black bins have been placed around the halls of residence at the University of Worcester as part of a recycling scheme.

The university has launched a Going Green and Black campaign in partnership with Worcester City Council.

Recyclable waste will be collected by the council once a fortnight.

The students have bags in their kitchen areas, in which they gather recyclables to empty into the large green bin when full.

“The university’s drive to increase recycling is proving a real success,” said Malcolm Cox, operations manager at Worcester City Council.

“With up to 30 bins being emptied on each collection day, the benefits to the environment are clear.”

Katy Boom, the University of Worcester’s head of sustainability and development, said: “It is very important for us to educate students about the city’s scheme in their first year so that when they move on into the community they understand the scheme and quickly get into the green week, black week habit.

“Students are really committed to improving their environment.

“Last May, in a zero waste initiative run by a number of universities, Worcester students diverted 800 kilos of waste from landfill, including a sofa, televisions, a go-kart and artificial Christmas trees in addition to the usual clothing, books and cooking equipment.

“Three local charities benefited from this re-use scheme.

“The university has employed four part-time student eco-reps who are responsible for raising awareness of environmental issues and improving recycling rates.

“We recognise the long and short-term benefits to the environment and will continue to work together to find ways to increase recycling still further in the future.”