UGM has implemented a comprehensive strategy to reduce plastic waste on campus, which includes a series of regulations and initiatives. The university’s Strategic Plan 2022-2027 aims to foster a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus by promoting waste sorting and minimising the use of disposable plastics. The Vice Rector’s and Rector’s circular letters mandate the sorting of organic and non-organic waste, including plastics, and prohibit the use of plastic containers in canteens and food stalls. Academicians are encouraged to bring their own containers for takeaways, and businesses using plastic must adjust their pricing or contract terms. These efforts contribute to a broader action plan to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable campus practices.
The UGM Strategic Plan 2022-2027 demands that all students, staff, and faculty must contribute to creating a campus atmosphere which supports sustainable behaviour (see pg.11 and pg.15). In Point 5, UGM aims to establish a campus that is healthy, safe, environmentally friendly, cultured, and socially responsible. An environmentally friendly campus entails fostering a healthy, clean, safe, and comfortable ecosystem.
To create a healthy, clean, safe, and comfortable campus ecosystem, UGM has established regulations on campus waste management.
Based on the Circular Letter Number 8846/UN1.P.V/Dit-Aset/TR.01.02/2023, it is conveyed that there is a need for sorting organic and non-organic waste (in the form of plastic, paper, cans, bottles, cardboard, and dry non-organic food wrappers). Faculties, schools, and work units are to limit the use of disposable goods and packaging, and avoid environmentally unfriendly waste management methods such as burning.
The regulation above was followed by Circular Letter Number 9034/UN1.P/OT.01.03/2024 concerning waste management obligation in UGM. The circular letter contains procedures and demands for proper waste management on campus, from waste collection to waste processing. There are also rules for faculties, schools, work units that have canteens or food/beverage stalls prohibited from using plastic containers; academicians are required to bring their own food or drink containers if they make take away purchase transactions; if tenants in canteens or stalls continue to use plastic containers, the price of food or drinks must be increased or the canteen or stall business contract reviewed.
To further strengthen these policies, UGM has enacted a Standard Operating Procedure regarding the university’s waste management process. The rules apply at the faculty or work unit level on campus.
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