Plastic Free

Plastic Free University

In 2018, Aberystwyth University became the first University in the World to be granted the Plastic Free University Certificate. The certification, awarded by the marine conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage, highlights the University’s commitment to helping reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.

The scheme focuses on reducing the use of plastic items that are used only once before being thrown away, such as plastic bottles, coffee cups and lids, bags, cutlery, straws and stirrers. Whilst there are still many single-use plastic items within the University, the scheme recognises the great work being done to reduce their use and the institution’s ongoing commitment.

In 2019, as a sign of our ongoing commitment to reducing single-use plastic, the University unveiled our Single Use Plastic Pledge, outlining the immediate steps ahead:  Aberystwyth University pledge to reduce its use of single use plastic

 

Single Use Plastics Pledge

Read our Single Use Plastic Pledge here: Single Use Plastics Pledge

Plastic-Free alternatives

We also understand the need to provide plastic-free alternatives, which is why the Hospitality Department run a 'Keep-Cup' scheme during October 2023, offering free, reusable coffee-cups to students and staff, coinciding with a 25p discount when used. 

Additionally, to support the use of refillable water bottles, water fountains and free bottle refills stations have been installed across campus.

Other fountains and opportunities for free water bottle refills across Aberystwyth and further afield can also be found using the Refill App.

The fountains and refill stations can be found on the map of the university campus. 

Read more about how we conserve water on our Water Management pages.