Reduction of Plastic Use
Sakarya University implements a comprehensive policy aimed at reducing the use of plastics. The main principles and applications of this policy are as follows:
Limiting Single-Use Plastics: The university aims to minimize plastic use under its Zero Waste policy. In cafeterias, canteens, and tea rooms, durable materials are used instead of single-use plastics, and the use of these materials is encouraged. This policy is also reflected in service contracts. For example, meals in dining halls are served on porcelain plates with metal cutlery.
Single-use cutlery, plates, and similar items are not used in the cafeteria.
Reducing the Use of Plastic Bottles: Free drinking water is provided from all fountains on campus. Additionally, there are water dispensers in open areas for students and staff to use free of charge.
Refill Stations for Reducing Plastic Waste
Promoting the Use of Cloth Bags: The university encourages the use of cloth bags, designed with the university logo, instead of plastic bags during institutional events and for daily use.
University Logo Cloth Bags
This practice contributes to both the reduction of plastic waste and the promotion of the university's corporate identity.
Incentivizing the Use of Thermoses and Mugs: The university encourages students and staff to use thermoses instead of single-use plastic cups.
University-branded thermoses are sold in the cafeterias.
Discounts are offered in canteens for those who bring their own mugs or thermoses, supporting the adoption of sustainable habits.
Discounts for Thermos - Mug Users: Sustainable Savings
Plastic Cap Collection Project: The university’s Nature and Animal Rights Student Club has initiated a plastic cap collection project to purchase food for campus animals. This project not only supports recycling efforts but also provides tangible benefits to the campus community.
Reducing Plastics in the Supply Chain: The university supports both internal and external stakeholders in reducing single-use plastic products in the supply chain and implementing sustainable alternatives. Preference is given to eco-friendly materials instead of plastic packaging in procurement processes. Additionally, concentrated cleaning products are used to reduce plastic usage. The university requests environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient equipment from suppliers. Contracts with suppliers include clauses on waste reduction and recycling, and suppliers are informed about the Zero Waste policy.
Education and Awareness Activities: The Zero Waste Coordinatorship and the Environmental Engineering Department organize information meetings, promotional events, and competitions on zero waste management and plastic reduction. The Zero Waste Coordinatorship regularly provides zero waste training to students and cleaning staff. These activities are shared on the university’s website and social media platforms, and they are conducted publicly to reach a wider audience.
Research and Development Activities: The university supports research and development activities on plastic waste management and recycling. These studies aim to find innovative solutions to the plastic waste problem and to promote sustainable plastic usage.
Ethical Sourcing
Sakarya University has developed a comprehensive ethical sourcing policy to ensure that the food and other products it procures are obtained responsibly and sustainably. This policy aims to promote ethical behavior in resource usage, considering environmental and social sustainability principles. Ethical sourcing not only covers the procurement process but also ensures the safety and fair treatment of employees involved in the supply chain. The university prioritizes local and organic producers in its procurement of food and other materials, thereby enhancing environmental sustainability and supporting the local economy. It ensures that the products procured are produced using environmentally friendly methods and adhere to ethical standards. The university encourages its suppliers to adopt organic and sustainable agricultural practices. Suppliers are also required to respect human rights in their business processes and ensure the safety of their employees.
Employee safety and fair treatment are fundamental aspects of this policy. Suppliers are expected to pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions for their employees. Sakarya University regularly audits the practices of its suppliers and takes necessary precautions to protect employee rights, aiming for social sustainability and safeguarding the rights of workers. Considering the environmental and social impacts of the sourcing process is also of great importance. In this context, the university organizes various training and awareness programs to increase environmental awareness, including waste management and recycling practices. It ensures that the packaging of procured products is recyclable and sets up the necessary systems for proper waste separation. Additionally, the use of eco-friendly products is encouraged, aiming to reduce plastic waste.
Hazardous Waste
The management of hazardous waste at Sakarya University is conducted in accordance with the regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Turkey.
Waste Management Regulation (OG: 02.04.2015-29314): A comprehensive regulation that governs the processes of temporary storage, transportation, and disposal of all types of waste.
Regulation on the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (OG: 26.12.2022-32055): This regulation addresses the collection, recovery, and disposal of electronic waste, such as computers and printers.
Regulation on the Control of Medical Waste (OG: 25.01.2017-29959): This regulation defines the management processes for medical waste generated by healthcare units, such as hospitals and dental faculties.
Regulation on the Control of Waste Batteries and Accumulators (OG: 31.08.2004-25569): It covers the collection, transportation, and recovery of waste batteries and accumulators.
Regulation on the Control of Pollution Caused by Hazardous Substances in Water and Its Surroundings (76/464/EC, OG: 26.11.2005-26005): This regulation manages the environmental impact of hazardous substances from laboratories and chemical waste.
Sakarya University adheres to the regulations set by the Ministry for the management of hazardous substances. The proper management of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting both the environment and human health. Therefore, the university adopts a systematic approach for the segregation, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste.
Hazardous wastes are stored in temporary storage areas, labeled with waste codes and hazard symbols. When waste is delivered to the campus’s temporary storage facility, a Waste Delivery Form is completed. This form is an important document for tracking and managing the waste. Hazardous wastes generated in laboratories and administrative buildings are stored in accordance with the Waste Management Regulation and are regularly sent to a licensed waste incineration and disposal company, İZAYDAŞ, which also engages in energy production.
Medical waste originates from healthcare units, particularly from the Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, and the Medico Health Center. This waste is collected in special medical waste containers in compliance with the Regulation on the Control of Medical Waste and is delivered to a licensed medical waste sterilization facility, ERA Environmental Technologies. This process ensures the safe disposal of medical waste, minimizing health risks.
Additionally, waste batteries collected on campus are delivered to the Association of Portable Battery Manufacturers and Importers for recycling. The correct management of these wastes is critical for environmental sustainability.
Sakarya University records all information related to hazardous and medical waste in the Integrated Environmental Information System (MOTAT) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. The university also submits an annual waste declaration, ensuring transparency and traceability in hazardous waste management. The annual declarations include details on the quantity of processed waste and the authorized waste treatment facility, making the waste management processes even more transparent.
Recyclable Waste
Sakarya University has established the Zero Waste Coordinatorship to prevent environmental pollution, use resources more efficiently, and minimize waste generation. The university is committed to implementing zero waste practices that create awareness and promote sustainable and efficient resource management. Sakarya University's Zero Waste Regulation governs the procedures and principles for implementing the Zero Waste Management System.
Sakarya University aligns with the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization's Zero Waste Regulation and the Zero Waste Training Institution and Dormitories Guidelines by implementing, developing, and promoting sustainable waste management systems. Waste management at the university is carried out in compliance with additional regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye.
Waste Management Regulation (RG: 02.04.2015-29314): Establishes general rules for waste management, including waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal.
Zero Waste Regulation (RG: 12.07.2019-30829): Aims to minimize waste production and encourages waste reuse, promoting zero waste practices.
Regulation on the Control of Packaging Waste (RG: 26.06.2021-31523): Regulates the recycling and control of packaging waste.
Regulation on the Management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RG: 26.12.2022-32055): Defines the recycling and management of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Regulation on the Management of Waste Oils (RG: 21.12.2019-30985): Regulates the recycling and management of waste oils.
Regulation on the Control of Vegetable Oil Waste (RG: 06.06.2015-29378): Regulates the recycling of vegetable oil waste.
Sakarya University implements a comprehensive waste disposal policy to effectively monitor and manage the amount of waste sent to and recycled by the integrated solid waste management facility. This policy ensures the proper segregation, management, and disposal of waste in line with the university’s environmental sustainability goals. The tracking of waste sent to the integrated solid waste management facility is a crucial part of the university’s waste management strategies.
The university supports recycling processes with a three-compartment waste separation system, ensuring the segregation of plastic, glass, metal, paper, and domestic waste. Each type of waste is collected appropriately, and recyclable waste is delivered to licensed recycling companies. This separation system contributes to increasing recycling awareness among both students and staff.
Recycling Boxes
Sakarya University regularly records the amount of waste sent to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility. This process is carried out using the Zero Waste System of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, and the quantities of recycled waste are continuously monitored. The data collected allows the university to evaluate its waste management performance and shape its efforts to achieve sustainability goals.
Zero Waste System of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Changesss
Waste Separation Information Poster
Non-recyclable waste is sent to Sakarya Integrated Solid Waste Management Inc. (SEKAY), where it is processed for biogas production using methane gas. Additionally, fertilizer and fuel are produced from the waste.
This practice supports Sakarya University’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact and creating a sustainable campus, while also increasing transparency in waste management. The university continuously reviews the effectiveness of its waste management processes and undertakes improvements to enhance environmental awareness.
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