Sustainable Waste Management in Higher Education ...
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4 Conclusions
Higher education institutions have the challenge of source segregation and management of wastes. The possibility of transient population requires proper awareness creation about source segregation. Notifications and instructions at appropriate places,
along with suitable infrastructure, would result in proper source segregation of waste
generated. It has been demonstrated that source segregated wastes could be effectively treated on-campus by many institutions, including for use in biogas generation
and compost preparation. The effectiveness of the on-campus waste management
strategy would depend on source segregation, and this requires the cooperation of
all stakeholders.
5 Recommendations
To practice the solid waste management in any educational institution in a successful
way, the key components are implemented as follows:
1. The management of an institution shall provide the following facilities for a
sustainable green campus:
(a) Different colour coded bins for waste storage and collection;
(b) Adequate sanitation workers and officers for waste management;
(c) Equipment such as shredder/crusher, incinerator, composter or biogas plant;
(d) Space for waste storage and segregation shed, which are protected against
infestation by insects, rats, birds and animals; and
(e) Proper transportation for waste disposal
2. Must not allow dumping inside the campus.
3. Create opportunities to recover resources from waste.
4. Every person should get trained to identify the type of waste and segregate properly into the three different categories (Wet/Dry/Hazardous) before handling them
over to waste collectors.
5. Create awareness among the students, staff and workers in various centres inside
the campus and residents by conducting the cultural events, activities and drills
on waste management so that they understand the consequences of improper
waste management and its impact on human health and environment.
6. Appreciate, encourage and honour people who contribute substantially to maintaining the campus green by awarding with a certificate of appreciation.
7. Workers involved in waste segregation and disposal should be provided with
proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as waterproof gloves, face
masks, goggles, rubber boots, etc.
8. Training must be provided to the workers on the following aspects: (a) understand
the potential risks associated with waste handling and disposal, (b) importance
171
4 Conclusions
Higher education institutions have the challenge of source segregation and management of wastes. The possibility of transient population requires proper awareness creation about source segregation. Notifications and instructions at appropriate places,
along with suitable infrastructure, would result in proper source segregation of waste
generated. It has been demonstrated that source segregated wastes could be effectively treated on-campus by many institutions, including for use in biogas generation
and compost preparation. The effectiveness of the on-campus waste management
strategy would depend on source segregation, and this requires the cooperation of
all stakeholders.
5 Recommendations
To practice the solid waste management in any educational institution in a successful
way, the key components are implemented as follows:
1. The management of an institution shall provide the following facilities for a
sustainable green campus:
(a) Different colour coded bins for waste storage and collection;
(b) Adequate sanitation workers and officers for waste management;
(c) Equipment such as shredder/crusher, incinerator, composter or biogas plant;
(d) Space for waste storage and segregation shed, which are protected against
infestation by insects, rats, birds and animals; and
(e) Proper transportation for waste disposal
2. Must not allow dumping inside the campus.
3. Create opportunities to recover resources from waste.
4. Every person should get trained to identify the type of waste and segregate properly into the three different categories (Wet/Dry/Hazardous) before handling them
over to waste collectors.
5. Create awareness among the students, staff and workers in various centres inside
the campus and residents by conducting the cultural events, activities and drills
on waste management so that they understand the consequences of improper
waste management and its impact on human health and environment.
6. Appreciate, encourage and honour people who contribute substantially to maintaining the campus green by awarding with a certificate of appreciation.
7. Workers involved in waste segregation and disposal should be provided with
proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as waterproof gloves, face
masks, goggles, rubber boots, etc.
8. Training must be provided to the workers on the following aspects: (a) understand
the potential risks associated with waste handling and disposal, (b) importance