The “zero waste” strategy, which is fully in line with the University of Poitiers’ Sustainable Development Master Plan, is applied to three main areas: waste reduction, implementation of an ambitious sorting policy and the circular economy.

Reducing waste

Faced with the ecological emergency of waste reduction, the University of Poitiers has embarked on an ambitious strategy to reduce waste but also to sort waste effectively for recycling or even to avoid producing certain types of waste altogether.

This is reflected in a whole series of measures:

  • Pooling and describing sorting containers between scientific and tertiary sites to encourage a reduction in waste volume
  • Setting up a proactive purchasing policy: harmonizing and pooling deliveries to avoid unnecessary packaging; choosing materials with less packaging; opting for eco-designed products etc.
  • Raising student awareness of measures in favor of the environment and in particular making good use of the sorting bins installed inside and outside buildings
  • Organization of specific events such as “Zero cigarette butt” operations to encourage students and staff to put used cigarette butts in appropriate containers

Developing sorting policy

The University of Poitiers also strives to be exemplary in terms of sorting:

  • By diversifying the collection points (6 to 7 different sorting points).
  • By managing its conventional waste (paper, cardboard, household waste, etc.) and more specific waste (electronic, chemical, radioactive waste, etc.) through responsible channels. Today, 100% of this waste, which is centrally managed, is processed by these sectors.
  • By recycling green waste through its composting platform. A new platform is currently being planned to collect all green waste from the University and the Hospital, and some fermented waste from the CROUS.

Developing the circular economy

Sorting also involves reuse. Whenever possible, the University will reallocate any furniture no longer be used by one part of the university to another part of the university. If reuse is not possible within the university Valdélia (a non-profit eco-organization approved by the Ministry of Ecological and Social Transition) will be contacted. Valdélia is responsible for the management and treatment of used professional furniture.

A resourcing/recycling center and a Repair café have been set up on campus for students including workshops on how to repair everyday objects.


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