Waste management at the UPV

Only those of the UPV

Practically all the activities carried out at the Universitat Politècnica de València generate some type of waste. This Guide aims to explain clearly and concisely how to separate this waste, but before starting it is important that you keep in mind two basic principles:

The best waste is the one that is not generated

The university community is committed through the UPV Environmental Policy to minimize the impact it has on the environment, so before you get rid of something, think about whether it is possible to reuse it or if you can give it some other use. If you have to throw it away remember that a correct separation of the garbage minimizes contamination and facilitates recycling.

If you have any questions, please contact us

If you have any questions please contact us, together we can establish the most appropriate way to manage your waste. We can also help you when purchasing materials, so do not hesitate, we are here for that.

I have doubts

What to do with your waste?

Do not forget that what we are going to explain here applies only to the waste you generate at the UPV in the development of your activities, although, sometimes, to clarify the management, we give you indications on what you can do with your domestic waste. Keep in mind, in any case, that the waste you generate at home must be separated according to the indications provided by the EMTRE or the local councils.

Paper and cardboard

At the UPV, paper and cardboard waste is probably the most frequently generated waste, which is why it is very important to perform a responsible consumption and apply the best practices that allow to minimize waste.

Paper is a waste product 100% recyclable, which means that all the paper that is selectively collected is recycled.

In the paper container

Paper sheets / DIN A4.
Large format paper.
Cardboard boxes (folded).
Paper envelopes.
Newsprint.
Waxed paper cups and containers.
Magazines.
Books.
Cardboard.
Adhesive paper.
Tissue paper.

Look at…

The blue bins there are all over the place to make it easier for you to separate paper and cardboard waste.
You have them in offices, classrooms, corridors, laboratories… In addition to the outdoor garbage cans and containers.

Did you know that…?

To destroy confidential paper you can contact the Electronic Processes and Transparency Service.

In the organic one

Paper used to wrap food.
Paper or cardboard impregnated with vegetable oil.
Dirty napkins.

In the residual fraction

Toilet paper.
Used tissues.
Hygienic wipes.

In the yellow one

Tetra Brik packages.
Plastic and white cork inside the cartons.

Remember that

Any paper or cardboard that has been impregnated with hazardous substances should be treated as hazardous waste.

Contact with us

Lightweight packaging

The concept light packaging collects three types of containers: plastic containers, metal containers and cartons.
It is important to remember that the yellow container is for packaging not for plastics.

In the yellow container

Beverage bottles.
Food packaging.
Detergent bottles.
Soda cans.
Canned food cans.
Aerosols of non-hazardous products.
Any carton.
Aluminum foil.
Film type plastic.
Expanded polystyrene protectors.
Cork trays.
Shampoo, gel, etc. bottles.

Look at…

The yellow bins there all over the place to make it easier for you to separate light packaging. You have them in offices, classrooms, corridors, laboratories… In addition to the outdoor garbage cans and containers.

Did you know that…?

The green dot identifies plastic, metallic and briks containers that you can deposit in the yellow container.

In the organic one

Biodegradable plastic bags.

In the residual fraction

Anything that is plastic and is not a container.

In the IT department

Video or backup tapes.
Floppy diskettes.
Any plastic toy or appliance that is battery operated, has wires or plugs in.

On the CD

CDs, DVDs and other optical discs.

Remember that…

Any packaging that has contained hazardous substances should be treated as hazardous waste.

If you have such containers, plastic chairs, large plastics, slides, X-rays, or negatives…

contact with us

Organic waste

Organic waste is residues of biological origin that decompose naturally.

In the organic container

Food scraps.
Fruit skins and egg shells, mollusks, nuts, etc.
Coffee grounds.
Bags of infusions.
Small pruning and gardening waste.
Natural cork stoppers.
Paper and cardboard stained with food debris.
Small wooden objects.

Look at…

The brown garbage cans that are distributed throughout the Valencia campus to facilitate the separation of organic waste.

In the paper and cardboard container

Clean paper and cardboard.

In the residual fraction container

Hair and nails.
Animal droppings and sand.

Remember that…

Organic waste should be deposited in biodegradable bags.

Glass

Domestic glass waste is considered to be that which has been generated in everyday activities. At the UPV this waste is generated mainly in the cafeterias, although some units may produce small amounts.

Be careful with glass or crystal objects that may be contaminated with hazardous substances and must therefore be treated as follows hazardous waste.

In the glass container

Bottle of wine.
Bottles of cava.
Beer bottles.
Bottles of soft drinks and juices.
Canning jars.
Bottles and jars of dairy products.
Water bottles.
Cologne bottles.

In the residual fraction

Glasses, goblets and other glassware.
Cups, plates and porcelain.
Crystal ornaments.

Let us know if you have

Large glass waste.
Mirrors.
Fluorescent tubes.
Pyrex glass.

Remember that…

Glass that is impregnated with hazardous substances should be treated as hazardous waste.

Used vegetable oil

Most of the vegetable oil generated at the UPV comes from the cafeterias we have on campus. In this case, the companies responsible for the cafeterias are in charge of hiring managers authorized by the competent administration to collect this waste.

However, there are some UPV units that generate small amounts of this type of waste in their research and teaching activities.

For the vegetable oil you generate at the UPV

Ask us for special drums to deposit it in.
Label them with the sticker we will give you.
Please send us a pick-up request when you have it filled.

Did you know that…?

Municipalities usually post the locations of vegetable oil waste containers on their websites. The Valencia City Council is no exception.

Did you know that…?

Mineral oils and fats are an important hazardous waste. Never mix vegetable oil with mineral oil.

For the vegetable oil you generate at home

Take it to the nearest ecopark or mobile ecopark.
Take it to a local oil container.
Try making soap.

Let us know if you have

Wasted oils or mineral fats generated at the UPV and you don’t know what to do with them.

Remember that…

Vegetable oil never must be discarded down the drain.

Ink and toner cartridges

Practically all activities carried out at the University involve the use of ink and toner cartridges.
Most of the the components of the ink and toner cartridges are recyclable or reusable.

Always keep in mind that if you print and photocopy only what you need, you will save on paper consumption and print cartridges.

In the cartridge container

Ink cartridges.
Printer toner cartridges
Photocopier toner cartridges

Take a look at…

The black containers in the contribution areas where you can deposit your cartridge waste.

In the paper and cardboard

Cardboard packaging for cartridges
Any documents that come with the cartridge (instructions, warranty, etc.).

Let us know if you have

Loose toner powder

Remember that…

To avoid the dispersion of toner dust, you should place the toner cartridges in a plastic bag before disposal.

Batteries and other accumulators

Some batteries and automotive batteries are considered hazardous waste due to the harmful effect that their components can have on the environment and on people.

Use only the necessary batteries and always try to buy rechargeable batteries.

In tubular containers

Alkaline batteries.
Saline batteries.
Button cells.

Look at…

The tubular containers in the waste collection areas. You can deposit your batteries in them. Always dispose of your waste inside the container.

Did you know that…?

Automotive batteries are hazardous waste and should not be abandoned just anywhere. Contact with us.

In the electrical and electronic equipment container

Cell phone batteries, camera batteries, etc.
Cell phone chargers.
Cables.

Let us know if you have

Automotive batteries.

Remember that…

Glass that is impregnated with hazardous substances should be treated as hazardous waste.

CDs and DVDs

Did you know that there are specific containers to collect compact discs… They are available at the Environment Unit and at the units that generate this waste in large quantities.

In the CD container

CD of any kind.
DVD of any kind.
Blue Ray of any kind
In general, any optical disc of similar characteristics.

In the yellow container

The plastic boxes in which the discs are stored.
The cakeboxes.

In the blue container

The envelopes in which the discs sometimes come.
The booklets that come with the discs.

Let us know if you have

Large quantities of this type of waste.

Remember that…

If you generate small quantities you can send them to us by internal mail in a reusable envelope.

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste (EEEW)

The generation of waste from electrical and electronic equipment is constant at the University. Some of their components are highly polluting, but most of them can be recycled. That is why we have placed specific containers for this type of waste in the waste collection areas.

In the EEEW container

Computers of any type.
Television screens and computer monitors.
Printers and multifunctional devices of small size.
Landlines or cell phones and all their accessories.
Fax equipment.
Video players.
In general, any appliance that plugs in or has a battery or batteries.

Look at…

The gray containers in the contribution areas, in which you can deposit your EEEW.

Did you know that…?

This logo appears on electrical or electronic equipment and identifies all devices that must be separated from the remaining fraction.

In the battery container

Alkaline and saline batteries.
Button cells.

In the CD container

CD, DVD and any optical disc.

Let us know if you have

Light bulbs.
Fluorescent tubes.
Large laboratory or workshop equipment.
Photovoltaic panels.
Large household appliances.
Projector lamps.
Large amount of computer waste.

Bulky waste

The University’s teaching and research activities sometimes generate large or non-domestic waste. To manage this waste, special large containers are needed.

Let us know if you have…

Large household appliances.
Large wooden or cardboard packages.
Large size glass.
Wood waste.
Metallic waste.
Pallets

Did you know that…?

If you have furniture in good use that you no longer need, please contact the General Services Unit and they will come by to pick it up.

Remember that…

The supplier supplying you with the material must take back your waste including packaging.

Remember that…

If you do not know what to do with your waste you can always contact us and we will guide you.

Mineral oil, hydrocarbon and fuel wastes

Most of this waste generated at the UPV comes from the workshops or laboratories we have on the campuses.

At the UPV, this waste is managed by an authorized manager who tells us how to group the waste for subsequent treatment, supplies us with the approved containers for their removal and the labels to identify them, and collects the waste generated in each laboratory or workshop of our university directly from us.

In 25 liter, 10 liter and 5 liter bottles

Mineral oils.
Mineral fats.
Hydrocarbons.
Fuels.

Look at…

Information signs on the management of mineral oils, hydrocarbons and fuels in many laboratories.

Did you know that…?

Current legislation prohibits the storage of waste mineral oils and greases, hydrocarbons and fuels for more than 6 months.

In 60, 30 and 10 liter containers

Shavings impregnated with drilling oils.
Empty containers of mineral oils or greases, hydrocarbons and fuels.
Rags, papers or any material impregnated with mineral oils or greases, hydrocarbons or fuels.

Let us know if you have

A residue of this type that you do not know how it should be removed or if you do not know if it is of this type.

Remember that…

It is important to minimize both the amount of waste and its hazardousness.

When the container is used, the identification label must be attached immediately and the date of packaging must be indicated.

Chemical waste

These wastes are generated by the use of chemical products, both liquid and solid. All chemical wastes are considered hazardous wastes due to their toxic characteristics and the risk they pose to health and the environment.

In 25 liter, 10 liter and 5 liter bottles

Solvents (ethanol, acetone, …)
Acids (sulfuric, acetic, ….)
Alkalis and salts (potassium sulfate, soda, …)
Pesticides.
Phenols.
Photographic developing liquids.
In general, any chemical product residue.

Look at…

The information signs on chemical waste management in many laboratories.

Did you know that…?

Current legislation prohibits the storage of hazardous waste for more than 6 months.

In 60, 30 and 10 liter containers

Expired products in their original packaging.
Cloths or papers impregnated with chemical substances.
Contaminated gloves and laboratory equipment.
Empty containers that have contained chemical products.

Let us know if you have

Chemical waste that you don’t know how to manage.
Waste that you don’t know may contain chemicals.
Slides, X-rays or negatives

Remember that…

It is important to minimize both the amount of waste and its hazardousness.
When the container is used, the identification label must be attached immediately and the date of packaging must be indicated.
Needles and surgical sharps, whether contaminated or not (syringes, scalpels, blades, etc.) are health care waste.

Biohazardous or biological waste

According to current legislation, sanitary wastes are classified into four groups, of which groups III and IV are those to be managed as hazardous waste.

In 25 liter, 10 liter and 5 liter bottles

Ethidium bromide.
Acrylamide.
Diaminobenzidine.
Infectious waste.
Blood and its byproucts.
Expired liquid medications.
Liquid cytotoxic waste.
Liquid biohazardous waste.
Liquid biological waste.

Look at…

The informative signs on biohazardous waste management in many laboratories.

Did you know that…?

Empty packaging that has contained biosanitary or biological waste is also a sanitary waste and must be managed as such.

In 60, 30 and 10 liter containers

Solids contaminated with biosanitary or biological waste.
Empty containers of these products.
Expired medications.
Needles and sharp or pointed surgical material.
Remains of research animals.
Microbiological cultures.
Vaccines.
Small anatomical debris.

Let us know if you have

Waste that you don’t know if it can be biosanitary or biological.
Waste you don’t know how to manage.

Remember that…

It is important to minimize both the amount of waste and its hazardousness.
When the container is used, the identification label must be attached immediately and the date of packaging must be indicated.

Asbestos waste

These wastes are generated as a result of the dismantling of facilities or infrastructures containing asbestos. All asbestos waste is considered hazardous waste due to its toxic characteristics and the risk it entails for health and the environment.

At the UPV, this waste is managed by an authorized manager who tells us how to manage the waste for subsequent treatment, supplies us with the approved containers for their removal and the labels to identify them, and collects the waste generated at our university directly from us.

Let us know if you have…

Installations with asbestos to be dismantled.
Facilities that you believe may contain asbestos.
In general, if you have any questions, please contact us.

Did you know that…?

Asbestos was a widely used substance from the 1950s to the 1980s, but in 2005 the European Union banned its use because there was evidence that it could seriously damage health.

Did you know that…?

The risk of passing respirable fibers into the air increases during the handling of asbestos-containing materials.

Remember that…

The dismantling of infrastructures or facilities with asbestos must be carried out by a company registered to work with asbestos risk, with prior approval of a Work Plan by the competent labor authority.

Fraction remainder

This container collects all waste that cannot be deposited in the selective collection containers.

In the waste container

Cigarette butts and ashes.
Personal hygiene items (toothbrushes, razors, swabs, absorbent cotton, etc.)
Compresses and diapers.
Animal droppings and sand.
Rubber or latex objects not contaminated with chemicals.
Dust or sweeping debris.
Hair and nails.
Hygienic wipes.
Stickers.
Photographs.
Writing and drawing supplies (pens, pencils, paints, shavings, etc.)

Did you know that…?

The EMTRE has a network of ecoparks and mobile ecoparks where you can take the waste you generate at home.

Did you know that…?

The medicines you generate in the home can be taken to the SIGRE point of your nearest pharmacy.

In the organic container

Food scraps.
Pruning and gardening waste.
Bags of infusions.

In the bulky waste container

Ceramics, mirrors, glass and plastics other than packaging.

In the clothing container

Textiles and footwear.