Characterisation, Recovery and Recycling Potential of Solid Waste in a University of a Developing Economy

Oluwatobi Owojori, Joshua N. Edokpayi, Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi and John O. Odiyo
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Oluwatobi Owojori: Department of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Joshua N. Edokpayi: Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Ratshalingwa Mulaudzi: Department of Ecology and Resources Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
John O. Odiyo: Department of Hydrology and Water Resources, University of Venda, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: The present decade of Sustainable Development Goals has influenced higher educational institutions to assess and harness their great potential for waste diversion, recovery, and recycling. Institutional solid waste management in South Africa as a developing economy is yet to receive the required attention compared to developed countries. The measurement of the characteristics, and composition of solid waste is a fundamental pre-requisite towards creating a sustainable and viable process of solid waste management systems across institutions as this provides adequate and reliable information on the waste generated. This study aimed to determine the variations of waste components in the University of Venda (UNIVEN) by characterisation of the waste generated. Solid waste samples were collected from key activity areas and characterised using the ASTM D5321-92 method for unprocessed municipal solid waste. The recyclable, compostable, and non-recoverable components of the waste generated were found to be 61.7%, 34.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. The results of the waste audit revealed a strong potential for recycling in the institution (61.7%). This would decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills and enable the monetisation of the recyclable waste recovered from the waste stream, in this manner prompting a circular economy and a sustainable campus thereby lowering the waste footprint of higher education institutions.

Keywords: higher education institution; recycling; waste generation; solid waste management; sustainable institutional waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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