Waste Measurement and Disposal Policy - Monitoring of Landfilled and Recycled Waste 26

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. Implementation is supported by the Sakarya University Zero Waste Directive, which establishes institutional procedures for waste prevention, separate collection, temporary storage, delivery to licensed facilities and final disposal. Waste measurement and record-keeping support the evaluation of these processes and the identification of opportunities for improved recycling and resource recovery.

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 Recording and Traceability

Waste measurement and reporting are integrated into Sakarya University’s institutional Zero Waste Management System, coordinated by the Zero Waste Coordinatorship. Daily weighing records and waste delivery documentation provide the basis for monitoring waste quantities by category and destination, including transfers to licensed recycling companies and Sakarya Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (SEKAY).

Waste quantities and receiving organisation details are recorded through the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change’s Zero Waste Information System. These records support the systematic monitoring of separately collected waste and its transfer to recycling, recovery and disposal facilities.

Hazardous, medical and electronic waste transfers are tracked through MOTAT (Mobile Waste Tracking System) within the Ministry’s Integrated Environmental Information System. Annual waste declarations are submitted through the relevant waste declaration application, complementing transfer records with information on waste quantities and treatment destinations.

Together, institutional weighing records, delivery documentation and national reporting systems support traceability, annual waste reporting and the evaluation of recycling and recovery performance. The resulting data inform improvements in source separation, waste prevention and resource management across the University.

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.
• Quantities transferred to an integrated treatment facility are distinguished from quantities finally disposed of in landfill. Recycling, composting, energy recovery and final disposal represent different treatment routes. Waste delivered to SEKAY is therefore recorded as an incoming transfer to an integrated facility; the final landfill quantity is established from treatment and disposal records rather than assumed to equal the total quantity delivered.

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.
• Training for cleaning personnel addresses source separation and temporary storage procedures. Information activities for academic and administrative staff and students support correct use of collection equipment. Training records are maintained in the Zero Waste Information System, supporting the continued implementation and improvement of the institutional waste management system.
• 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 aligned with Türkiye’s Zero Waste framework and circular economy objectives. Separate collection, systematic weighing, documented waste transfers and reporting through the Ministry’s Zero Waste Information System support the monitoring of waste quantities and destinations. Cooperation with licensed recycling and recovery facilities, complemented by MOTAT tracking for applicable waste transfers, strengthens traceability and regulatory compliance.

These practices support the national objectives of increasing the waste recovery rate to 60% by 2035 and 70% by 2053 and contribute to the University’s commitment to waste prevention, recycling, resource recovery and reduced reliance on landfill disposal.

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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