Sekolah Pascasarjana (SPs) Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) has implemented a robust sustainability framework to address waste management, as outlined in Chapter 2: Guidelines for Campus Operations and Chapter 5: Guidelines for Laboratory Sustainability. The institution is committed to mitigating the environmental impact of uncontrolled waste production through a series of strategic initiatives.

A key component of SPs UNPAD’s waste management approach is the consistent application of the 3R program—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—across the campus. This includes the establishment of composters for organic waste management and the creation of a waste bank for recyclable materials. In addition, a campus-wide ban on single-use plastics aims to significantly cut down on non-biodegradable waste. The “zero waste challenge” campaign engages the academic community in reducing personal waste, fostering a culture of minimal waste on campus.

In the laboratory setting, SPs UNPAD adheres to detailed technical guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling hazardous waste, ensuring safe and regulatory-compliant disposal. The faculty has also implemented comprehensive policies to reduce plastic use and single-use items. Regular waste audits are conducted to track the volume of waste generated, reduced, and recycled, reported in metric tons.

Furthermore, the university ensures that waste management policies are effectively enforced by third parties, including campus cafeterias. A sustainability report is compiled to cover all aspects of waste management, including the processing of organic waste like food scraps and inorganic waste such as paper, bottles, and packaging materials.

In terms of procurement, SPs UNPAD adopts a sustainable purchasing policy that integrates environmental considerations. Hazardous waste, including lamps and cartridges, is managed according to safe and environmentally-friendly procedures, and liquid waste from laboratory activities is treated to prevent environmental contamination.

The success of these strategies is measured by the reduction in waste sent to landfills, the percentage of waste recycled, and the amount of compost produced, all of which reflect the effectiveness of SPs UNPAD’s waste management efforts. (SNM)