Chulalongkorn University’s Waste Management for Sustainable Environmental Conservation Policy

Chulalongkorn University’s Waste Management for Sustainable Environmental Conservation Policy

Chulalongkorn University is dedicated to advancing operations that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting sustainable development across 17 goals. This commitment is embedded through four primary roles: policy and operational practices, research and innovation, teaching and learning, and outreach and social engagement.

To support the management of all types of waste generated by various activities within university departments in accordance with international standards and safety protocols, and to instill a sense of responsibility among the Chulalongkorn community regarding waste reduction and sorting, Chulalongkorn University has established a waste management for sustainable environmental conservation Policy. This policy aims to mitigate pollution in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. All university departments are encouraged to follow these guidelines:

Clause 1: Encourage all departments to prioritize and engage in waste management from initial waste generation to final disposal, fostering an integrated approach for effective implementation.

Clause 2: Promote and support all departments in sorting waste properly, providing appropriate waste containers for each type. Ensure accurate measurement of all waste produced, with data collection on waste directed to landfills and waste recycled, to facilitate efficient waste management.

Clause 3: Support and encourage departments to manage various types of waste, including solid waste, hazardous waste, organic waste, and plastic waste, following university-defined guidelines that meet international standards for safety.

Clause 4: Promote waste reduction and sorting across departments based on the 3Rs principles: Reduce (minimizing resource usage and waste generation), Reuse (using resources efficiently), and Recycle. The university aims to reach a 75% utilization rate of waste for beneficial purposes by 2027.

Clause 5: Encourage departments, faculty, students, staff, and vendors within the university premises to reduce the use of single-use plastics (e.g., plastic bags, utensils, foam containers) and adopt environmentally friendly materials as per university guidelines.

Clause 6: Promote the use of durable, long-lasting, and reusable products among departments, faculty, students, and staff. Items such as cloth bags, reusable water bottles, and stainless steel utensils are encouraged to reduce plastic usage.

Clause 7: Encourage departments to sort and collect electronic waste properly before handling or disposal according to international standards for safety and environmental protection.

Clause 8: Ensure that laboratories handling chemical and hazardous materials treat waste to meet international safety standards before discharge to sanitary systems or transfer to certified waste management companies.

Clause 9: Support departments in managing and treating liquid and wastewater generated by university activities to minimize environmental pollution and protect ecosystems.

Clause 10: Encourage the university and its departments to promote education, research, and innovation for sustainable waste management, setting an example that can extend to communities, society, and the nation.

Clause 11: Support departments in creating projects and activities that raise awareness on waste reduction and sorting, aiming to embed this culture into the university’s organizational values.

Clause 12: Encourage all departments, faculty, students, staff, and external personnel working or participating in university activities to adhere to Chulalongkorn University’s waste management policy.

Announced on October 18, 2024

Assistant Professor Pomthong Malakul Na Ayudhaya, Ph.D.
Acting Vice President, on behalf of the President