Fostering a Sustainable Campus: A Successful Selective Waste Collection Initiative in a Brazilian University

Geovana Dagostim Savi-Bortolotto (), Ana Carolina Pescador, Tiago Bortolotto, Camila Garbin Sandi, Alícia Viana de Oliveira, Matheus Rodrigues Pereira Mendes, Kátia Cilene Rodrigues Madruga and Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior ()
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Geovana Dagostim Savi-Bortolotto: Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Ana Carolina Pescador: Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Tiago Bortolotto: Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Camila Garbin Sandi: Administrative Directorate (DA/ARA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Alícia Viana de Oliveira: Department of Physiotherapy (DFT), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Matheus Rodrigues Pereira Mendes: Department of Medical Sciences (DCM), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Kátia Cilene Rodrigues Madruga: Department of Energy and Sustainability (EES), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil
Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior: Department of Energy and Sustainability (EES), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-21

Abstract: This study reports a successful selective waste collection initiative led by UFSC’s Araranguá campus in a municipality without a recycling system. The initiative, named “Recicla UFSC Ara”, was structured around three main components: (i) the installation of color-coded bins for recyclable waste (including paper, plastic, metals, and polystyrene) and non-recyclable waste in indoor and common areas; (ii) the establishment of a Voluntary Delivery Point (PEV) to gather specific recyclable materials, such as glass, electronics waste, plastic bottles, writing instruments, and bottle caps; and (iii) the execution of periodic educational community-focused campaigns aimed at encouraging participation from both the university and the broader local community. Recyclables were manually sorted and weighed during regular collection rounds, and contamination rates were calculated. Quantitative data collected from 2022 to 2025 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess waste generation and contamination trends. Gathered recyclables were directed to appropriate partner institutions, including local “Ecoponto”, non-profit organizations, and corporate recycling programs. The study also conducted a literature review of similar university-led waste management programs to identify standard practices and regional specificities, providing a comparative analysis that highlights both shared elements and distinctive contributions of the UFSC model. Results demonstrate a significant volume of waste diverted from landfills and a gradual improvement in waste disposal practices among the university community. Targeted communication and operational changes mitigated key challenges, improper disposal, and logistical issues. This case underscores the role of universities as agents of environmental education and local sustainable development.

Keywords: selective waste collection; recycling programs; community engagement; university sustainability; integrated waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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