Multi-Sectoral Partnership for Waste Management Evaluation and Awards Recognition in Higher Education

Abstract

Waste management is an important part to achieve green and sustainable campus. This study aims to evaluate waste management implementation in higher education. The methodology used in this study is a cross sectional with a non-probabilistic sampling. Data were collected using a well-structured evaluation instrument through an online focus group discussion, document review and evidence of implementation. The evaluation instrument consists of 10 elements: waste management policy, resource availability, waste segregation, waste collection, temporary waste storage, handling of general and hazardous waste, personal protective equipment (PPE), waste segregation awareness educational program, and evaluation on waste management. There were 15 faculties/schools/program were participated. Data was analysed using univariate analysis, radar plot representation, Box and Whiskers plot analysis. The level of waste management implementation amongst faculties /schools/program was varied between 52% to 98%. Higher education needs to evaluate waste management implementation and established a systematic environmental awareness program to achieve sustainability development goals (SDGs). The mean score ranking from highest to lowest level: personal protective equipment (5.6) to evaluation of waste management implementation (3.2). Indeed, to ensure a comprehensive general waste management, it was suggested that higher education need to build a centralized waste collection facility, a chemical waste treatment and competence personnel for handling laboratory waste.