Institutional Dynamics of Waste Generation and Sustainability Policy in a State University
Abstract
Waste generation in higher education institutions (HEIs) reflects their academic, administrative, and operational dynamics. This study examined waste generation trends, classification practices, and institutional responses at Bukidnon State University (BukSU) from 2022 to 2024 to inform policy and management decisions. Using a quantitative descriptive research design, monthly waste records were examined across four categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous. Results showed a marked increase from 60,328 kg in 2022 to 113,062 kg in 2023, followed by a decline in 2024, which may indicate the initial impact of BukSU sustainability interventions. While biodegradable waste rose sharply, improvements were noted in recyclable and hazardous waste tracking. Document analysis revealed data inconsistencies, weak enforcement mechanisms, and limited integration of waste management into institutional planning. The study highlights the need for BukSU to strengthen policy implementation, institutionalize data-driven monitoring, and integrate waste management into its broader sustainability agenda.
Keywords:
Waste generation, higher education institutions, sustainable waste management, waste volume, waste type
References
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Duran-Sandoval, D., Duran-Romero, G., Barrera-Verdugo, G., & Villarroel, A. (2024). Food waste and its causes in higher education cafeterias and canteens: An exploratory study in the province of Santiago (Chile). Journal of Foodservice Business Research, 27(1), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/15378020.2024.2404740
Enad, F. B., Alcantara, A. M., Astete, L. H., & Atienza, A. (2025). Sustainable solid waste systems in higher education: A multi-framework analysis at UP Open University. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390363561_Sustainable_Solid_Waste_Systems_in_Higher_Education_A_Multi-Framework_Analysis_at_UP_Open_University
Giurea, R., Carnevale Miino, M., Torretta, V., & Rada, E. C. (2024). Approaching sustainability and circularity along waste management systems in universities: An overview and proposal of good practices. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 12, 1363024. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2024.1363024
Hassanvand, M. S., & Nabizadeh, R. (2011). Hazardous waste management in education and research centers: A case study. Toxicological and Environmental Chemistry, 93(10), 1990–1999. https://doi.org/10.1080/02772248.2011.602683
Henao-Rodriguez, C., Lis-Gutierrez, J. P., & Sierra, A. S. G. (2024). Factors influencing environmental awareness and solid waste management practices in Bogota: An analysis using machine learning. Air, Soil and Water Research, 17, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/11786221241261188
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2015). ISO 14001:2015 Environmental management systems Requirements with guidance for use. ISO. https://www.iso.org/standard/60857.html
Klaniecki, K., Wuropulos, K., & Hager, C. P. (2018). Behavior change for sustainable development. In W. Leal Filho (Ed.), Encyclopedia of sustainability in higher education (pp. 1–9). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63951-2_161-1
Konstantinidou, A., Ioannou, K., Tsantopoulos, G., & Arabatzis, G. (2024). Citizens attitudes and practices towards waste reduction separation and recycling: A systematic review. Sustainability, 16(22), 9969. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229969
Lopes Silva, D. A., Giusti, G., Rampasso, I. S., & Farrapo, A. (2024). The environmental impacts of face-to-face and remote university classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 25(3), 455–470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.05.002
Mahyari, K. F., Sun, Q., Klemes, J. J., Aghbashlo, M., Tabatabaei, M., Khoshnevisan, B., & Birkved, M. (2022). To what extent do waste management strategies need adaptation to post-COVID-19? Science of the Total Environment, 837, 155829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155829
Mukhlis, I., Fauzan, S., Rahmawati, F., de Silva, S., & Melati, I. S. (2025). Stakeholder dynamics and sustainable waste management in peri-urban settings: A case study of actor interactions in Indonesia. Frontiers in Sustainable Cities, 7, 1509601. https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2025.1509601
Ojuri, O. O., Olowoselu, A. S., Akinrele, J., Ayodele, F. O., & Jayejeje, O. O. (2024). Sustainable integrated solid waste management for a university campus: A case study of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. Environmental Advances, 16, 100345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wmb.2024.04.004
Republic Act No. 9003. (2000). Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2001/01/26/republic-act-no-9003/
Republic Act No. 10173. (2012). Data Privacy Act of 2012. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.privacy.gov.ph/data-privacy-act/
Rodriguez-Guerreiro, M. J., Torrijos, V., & Soto, M. (2024). A review of waste management in higher education institutions: The road to zero waste and sustainability. Environments, 11(12), 293. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments11120293
Rosario, A. M., Lopes, P., & Rosario, F. (2024). Sustainability and circular economy in business development. Sustainability, 16(14), 6092. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146092
Siril, A. J., Abu Bakar, S. N., & Fatehah, M. O. (2021). Hazardous waste management, challenges, and risks in handling laboratory waste in universities. In M. Kumar (Ed.), Handbook of solid waste management (pp. 985–1002). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7525-9_79-1
Published
2025-12-20
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2025 Asia Pacific Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Copyright holder is the Bukidnon State University.
