Solid waste management in educational institutions: The case of the University of Jordan

Abstract

Sustainable development has forced developing countries to have a focused look at their waste management system including educational institutions. In this work, a waste characterization study was conducted at the University of Jordan. A simple method for characterizing solid waste is proposed for high intensity institutions. The study included estimation of waste generation rate, characterization of the solid waste generated on campus and it’s variation over four distinct periods during the academic calendar: regular semester, study break, summer semester and the month of Ramadan. Exploring the study results, recycling potential was evaluated. The study revealed that in regular semesters the university campus produces an average of 8113 kg of waste per day. The results show that at least 87% of the waste generated on campus may be recycled. To ensure sustainable solid waste management and reliable recycling program, a university run program must be operated.