Waste Measurement and Disposal Policy – Monitoring of Landfilled and Recycled Waste

Waste Measurement and Disposal Policy

Sakarya University has adopted an integrated Waste Measurement and Disposal Policy that ensures all waste streams recyclable, organic, and residual are systematically monitored, recorded, and reported.
This policy is governed by the Zero Waste Coordinatorship and is aligned with the Zero Waste Regulation of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change and the Waste Management Regulation.

The objective of the policy is to establish a quantitative and traceable system that measures all waste generated on campus, identifies how much is recycled, composted, or sent to landfill, and supports continuous improvement in waste reduction and circular resource use.

Operational System and Measurement Mechanisms

1. Zero Waste Management System (Institutional Implementation)

• Sakarya University operates under a Zero Waste Certificate, issued by the Ministry, which requires the establishment of a measurable waste monitoring system for all university facilities.
• The system covers academic units, administrative buildings, dining halls, dormitories, and laboratories, ensuring consistent data collection at every generation point.

2. Waste Separation and Recording

• A three-compartment collection infrastructure (paper-metal-plastic, glass, organic waste) allows for precise classification of waste types.
• Each waste stream is weighed and logged before transportation to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (SEKAY), ensuring quantitative measurement of recyclables versus landfill materials.
• All recyclable waste (plastic, metal, paper, glass) is transferred to licensed recycling firms, while non-recyclable waste is directed to energy recovery and landfill through SEKAY’s biogas process.

3. Digital Monitoring via MOTAT Platform

• All collected waste data are uploaded to the Integrated Environmental Information System (MOTAT), a national digital platform managed by the Ministry.
• MOTAT enables real-time monitoring of the amount, type, and destination of waste, guaranteeing transparent reporting and traceability.
• The system also links recycling companies and energy recovery facilities, verifying that all waste is processed by licensed operators.

4. Internal Data Verification and Annual Reporting

• Unit-level waste collection data are consolidated by the Zero Waste Office and reviewed annually by the Sustainability Commission.
• Detailed information on waste categories, disposal methods, and recycling performance is presented annually in the University’s Sustainability Report and publicly shared through the Sustainability Website.

Waste Reduction and Circular Economy Practices

The policy is complemented by active initiatives to minimize waste generation before disposal:

• Plastic-use reduction policy phasing out single-use plastics in all canteens and offices;
• Food waste prevention through portion control and surplus-food donation;
• Organic waste recovery via composting and biogas conversion;
• Recyclable-material design for university events and printed materials.

These actions ensure that waste-measurement data directly inform prevention strategies and performance targets for the following year.

Education, Research, and Continuous Improvement

• Training sessions for staff and students promote accurate waste separation and data reporting.
• Research projects within the Environmental Engineering Department develop digital waste-tracking tools and biodegradable material innovations that feed into the university’s monitoring systems.
• Internal audits are conducted annually to verify compliance with the Zero Waste Regulation and ISO 14001 environmental management principles; preparatory work has commenced to obtain full ISO 14001 certification.

National and Strategic Alignment

Sakarya University’s waste-measurement and monitoring policy is directly aligned with Türkiye’s Zero Waste Policy and the Green Development and Circular Economy Vision 2053.
By integrating national digital systems (MOTAT) and certified recycling partners, the university contributes to the country’s goal of achieving a 65 % recovery rate and minimizing landfill dependency by 2030.

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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