Sakarya University systematically measures, records, and reports the amount of waste generated and recycled across all campuses through its institutional Zero Waste Management System, established under the Zero Waste Regulation of the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. This comprehensive system ensures quantitative tracking of all waste streams recyclable, organic, hazardous, and residual within academic, administrative, and social facilities.
The Zero Waste Coordinatorship, operating under the Sustainability Commission, is responsible for coordinating waste measurement and reporting processes. Waste is segregated at the point of generation into plastic, glass, metal, paper, organic, and domestic waste categories, using a standardized three-compartment collection infrastructure across all buildings. Each waste stream is weighed, recorded, and transferred to the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (SEKAY), where recyclable waste is processed through licensed recycling companies and non-recyclable waste is utilized in biogas energy recovery before final disposal.
Quantitative data on waste generation and recycling are entered into the Integrated Environmental Information System (MOTAT) a national digital tracking platform managed by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. This platform enables the University to monitor the quantity, type, and destination of each waste category with full traceability and verification. The system also allows year-over-year comparisons to evaluate progress in recycling rates and landfill diversion performance.
At the institutional level, waste measurement outcomes are compiled into an annual waste management report prepared by the Zero Waste Office. These reports include detailed statistics on the proportion of recycled waste, residual waste, and hazardous waste, as well as the corresponding reduction in landfill quantities. The results are reviewed by the Sustainability Commission and published on the University’s official Sustainability Portal (sustain.sakarya.edu.tr) to ensure transparency and public accountability.
The University’s waste data collection framework also supports research and educational activities. The Department of Environmental Engineering and Zero Waste Coordinatorship collaborate to analyze waste measurement data, develop new monitoring methods, and integrate results into sustainability research projects. Regular training is provided to staff, students, and cleaning personnel to improve waste segregation accuracy and data reliability.
Annual internal inspections are conducted to evaluate compliance with Ministry standards and the University’s Zero Waste Policy, as well as ISO 14001 Environmental Management Principles. Preparatory work has also commenced to obtain full ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification, which will institutionalize continuous monitoring, reporting, and performance improvement mechanisms for waste management.
Through this integrated and data-driven approach, Sakarya University ensures precise measurement and transparent reporting of all waste generated and recycled across the institution. The policy not only supports national sustainability legislation but also reinforces the University’s contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, setting a model of quantitative environmental accountability for higher education institutions in Türkiye.
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