Waste

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY IN WASTE MANAGEMENT

THROUGH COLLECTIVE EFFORT AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT, OUR MISSION IS TO MINIMIZE WASTE, PROMOTE RECYCLING, AND CREATE A CAMPUS THAT EXEMPLIFIES THE VALUES OF SUSTAINABILITY.

At Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), we are committed to promoting sustainability in every aspect of our operations, including our food supply. We uphold ethical sourcing principles by ensuring that the food we serve on campus is procured responsibly. In addition, our university has a strict policy on waste disposal and hazardous materials, with an emphasis on proper disposal methods to minimise environmental impact in line with the country’s legislation. To reduce plastic waste, we have implemented a policy on plastic minimisation, encouraging the use of reusable containers and promoting alternatives to single-use plastics. Our university has a strict policy on disposable items, aiming to curtail their usage and promote more sustainable alternatives. These sustainability policies extend beyond our campus to include our outsourced suppliers and their supply chain, ensuring that we work with partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations. USM policies on ethical sourcing, waste disposal, and plastic minimisation demonstrate our dedication to creating a more sustainable future. The university's consistent ranking as one of the top universities in the world for sustainability is a testament to our efforts, and our "University as a Living Lab" approach promotes sustainability among the community within and outside the campus. By working with partners who share our commitment to sustainability and responsible practices, Universiti Sains Malaysia is setting an example for other institutions to follow.

Solid Waste
Food Waste
Hazardous Waste

Solid Waste

Waste Disposal Policy

USM has implemented a structured waste disposal policy aimed at minimizing landfill dependency through waste segregation at the source and encouraging recycling. The policy includes specific procedures for collecting, transporting, and disposing of various types of waste, such as building waste, yard waste, and seasonal waste, across campus. Contracted companies are required to record and track waste collection, ensuring compliance with specified standards and timely waste removal from designated points.

In alignment with sustainable waste management objectives, USM mandates waste separation into recyclable and non-recyclable categories, allowing for better measurement of waste diverted from landfills. The initiative incorporates public education, community engagement, and enforcement of waste separation practices to foster a cleaner campus environment, while also prolonging landfill lifespan through enhanced recycling efforts. This comprehensive approach underscores USM's commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability in line with the guidelines provided in its waste management policy
Waste Tracking

Universiti Sains Malaysia has implemented a comprehensive waste tracking system to measure waste generation and recycling for the whole university. This system includes data collection through a university-wide portal, capturing data from all areas within the campus. To further encourage recycling, a mobile app has been developed, enabling the campus community to record recycled waste. This approach not only enhances tracking accuracy but also raises awareness about waste reduction and promotes upcycling practices among staff and students.

Single-Use Plastic Ban

USM has taken decisive steps to reduce the use of single-use plastics on campus and this initiative has been addressed in our USM Sustainability Policy 2024 . This includes banning plastic straws, plastic bags, and disposable plastic containers in cafeterias and food outlets within the campus. The university encourages the use of reusable alternatives such as paper/steel straws, cloth bags, and eco-friendly containers.

Educational Campaigns and Awareness Programs

USM frequently organizes educational programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns through Kampus Sejahtera to highlight the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. These campaigns focus on promoting behavior change among students and staff, encouraging them to reduce plastic consumption, recycle, and adopt greener alternatives in their daily lives. Events like Sustainability Future Initiative Exhibition (SuFIEx) , Earth Day, Plastic-Free Campus Day, and environmental fairs are held to engage the university community.
Recycling Programs

USM has an established recycling program that includes the segregation of waste at source. Recycling bins are strategically placed across the campus for the collection of plastic, paper, and other recyclable materials. The university regularly conducts awareness campaigns through Environmental Protection and Education Hub (EPEHub), to educate the campus community on proper waste disposal and the importance of recycling.
Green Office@USM Program

GreenOffice@USM Programme encourages departments to adopt sustainable practices in their daily operations. This includes reducing plastic usage, implementing recycling initiatives, and promoting the use of digital alternatives to reduce paper waste. Departments that actively participate in the program are recognized for their efforts, which helps foster a culture of sustainability across campus.
Plastic-Free Events

USM has adopted a policy where all major events hosted on campus, including conferences, seminars, and festivals, are plastic-free. Event organizers are required to use biodegradable or reusable materials for catering and logistics, reinforcing the university's commitment to minimizing plastic waste.

Sustainable Procurement Policies

USM has introduced sustainable procurement policies that prioritize the purchase of eco-friendly products, including items made from recycled materials and packaging that minimizes plastic content. Vendors and suppliers are encouraged to offer sustainable solutions as part of their business with the university.

USM's action plan to reduce plastic waste is a comprehensive effort that combines policy changes, education, and community involvement. By addressing plastic waste at multiple levels—ranging from individual behavior to institutional operations—USM is leading by example in the fight against plastic pollution. These efforts not only contribute to the university's sustainability goals but also inspire the campus community to take active roles in protecting the environment.
Food Waste

Since 2019, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has diligently initiated the measurement and monitoring of food waster across all the cafeterias, spanning its Main Campus, Engineering Campus, and Health Campus. Annually, a meticulous survey process collected cafeteria-specific food waste data, which is subsequently compiled and published on the university’s official website.

In 2020, USM introduced a program promoting the recycling of food waste into compost, yielding encouraging results as some cafeterias successfully adopted this sustainable practice. Illustrated in the accompanying graph generated from the university’s food waste tracking system, this initiative is a testament to USM’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a culture of sustainability amongst its community members, including faculty, staff, and students. It signifies one of many forthcoming sustainability endeavors undertaken by USM.

USM has actively promoted mindful eating habits and the importance of reducing food waste, encouraging the community to make more conscious food choices. A talk was also organized for cafeteria owners, students, and staff, focusing on sustainable practices in food preparation, consumption, and waste management.
Hazardous Waste
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has a dedicated policy and established procedures for the disposal and management of hazardous waste, which aligns with the Environmental Quality (Scheduled Waste) Regulation 2005. This policy, formally known as the "Polisi Pengurusan Buangan Terjadual," was approved by the University Occupational Safety and Health Committee (JKKPU) and covers several key aspects of waste disposal management.

USM takes steps to ensure safe and sustainable handling of hazardous materials, specifically scheduled wastes, which include waste from chemical experiments, unused or expired chemicals, and accidental chemical spills. The policy mandates the following practices:
1. Safe Handling and Storage: Scheduled waste is managed systematically from generation through disposal at various responsible centers (PTJ) within the university.
2. Risk Assessment and Emergency Procedures: USM conducts risk assessments and establishes safe work procedures, which include protocols for emergency responses to spills or unintended releases.
3. Specialized Training: Staff handling scheduled waste undergo regular, specific training to manage hazardous materials safely.
4. Licensed Disposal Facilities: Disposal is carried out by contractors licensed by the Department of Environment (JAS), who are responsible for the collection, transport, and disposal of hazardous materials.
5. Documentation and Record-Keeping: Comprehensive records of hazardous waste are maintained as per regulatory requirements.
The detailed procedures for these activities are documented in the "Procedure for The Disposal and Management of Hazardous Waste," accessible to USM staff and students through the UKKP website, ensuring transparency and adherence to national environmental standards.