Institutional Framework and Policy Basis
Sakarya University implements a formal Waste Management and Disposal Policy that comprehensively covers hazardous, medical, laboratory, and electronic waste streams. The policy is guided by Türkiye’s national environmental legislation and the University’s Zero Waste Management System, established under the coordination of the Sustainability Commission and the Zero Waste Coordinatorship. The institutional basis is established through the Sakarya University Zero Waste Directive, which covers waste generated through teaching, research, production and service activities across university units. The Directive addresses waste prevention, separate collection, safe temporary storage, delivery to licensed treatment facilities and final disposal. Operational responsibilities are further defined in the University’s Hazardous Waste Management Guide.
The policy ensures compliance with the following national regulations issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change:
The University’s approach is based on the principles of risk prevention, regulatory compliance, transparency, and environmental protection, covering the full cycle of hazardous waste management from generation to final disposal.
Operational Procedures and Implementation Mechanisms
1. Source Separation and Identification: Waste-generating units and laboratory personnel identify hazardous wastes and classify them using the applicable waste codes. Covered materials include laboratory chemicals, expired chemicals, contaminated packaging, gloves and cleaning materials, waste oils, fluorescent lamps and hazardous toner waste. Chemical compatibility and safety data sheets guide container selection and storage arrangements. Incompatible chemical wastes are collected in separate containers to prevent hazardous reactions. Containers are labelled with the relevant waste codes and hazard symbols in accordance with the University’s Hazardous Waste Management Guide.
2. Secure Temporary Storage: Hazardous wastes are kept separately from other waste streams in designated temporary storage areas. Storage sections are identified by waste codes, hazard symbols and warning signs, with controlled access and arrangements to minimise leakage risks. Waste types and quantities are recorded upon acceptance into storage. Medical waste is collected separately in dedicated containers at the healthcare units where it is generated.
3. Documentation and Traceability: Waste-generating units complete the Hazardous Waste Inventory Form and Handover Record when submitting hazardous waste for collection and treatment. Waste Delivery Forms document acceptance into temporary storage. Hazardous, medical and electronic waste transfers are recorded through the Ministry’s Integrated Environmental Information System (EÇBS), using MOTAT (Mobile Waste Tracking System). Annual waste declarations are submitted separately through the Ministry’s waste declaration application.
4. Licensed Disposal and Recovery The University cooperates exclusively with licensed waste treatment and disposal companies, such as İZAYDAŞ for hazardous waste incineration with energy recovery and ERA Environmental Technologies for medical waste sterilization. These partnerships guarantee environmentally responsible and safe disposal processes.
5. Electronic and Battery Waste Management : Waste electrical and electronic equipment is collected separately and stored in the temporary storage area managed by the Information Technology Department before transfer to licensed companies. Fluorescent lamps and cartridge/toner waste are managed through designated collection channels according to their waste classification. Waste batteries are collected in dedicated containers and delivered to the Portable Battery Producers and Importers Association (TAP), with collection and handover records maintained.
Education, Training, and Academic Integration
Sakarya University integrates hazardous waste management into both operational and academic systems:
Monitoring, Auditing, and Compliance
National Policy Alignment
Sakarya University’s hazardous waste management policy is fully aligned with Türkiye’s Zero Waste Policy, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change. This national strategy aims to prevent waste generation, ensure source separation, and promote the safe management of hazardous materials under a circular economy framework.
The University’s systems licensed disposal, digital tracking, certified storage, and internal auditing mirror the operational requirements of the Zero Waste Regulation. This alignment strengthens regulatory compliance and demonstrates the University’s active contribution to Türkiye’s Green Development and Circular Economy Vision 2053.
Strategic Commitment and Sustainability Impact
Through this integrated approach, Sakarya University ensures that hazardous waste management is conducted ethically, transparently, and in compliance with both national and international standards.
Key strategic outcomes include:
By institutionalizing these systems, Sakarya University demonstrates leadership in responsible waste governance and makes a tangible contribution to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through safe, sustainable hazardous waste management.
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.
