Abstract
One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.
Highlights
Zero-waste programs in cities usually target the total recycling and recovery of resources from waste materials [1]
This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education
Considering that a change in the culture of the university’s community and a shift in its consumption habits were essential for the success of the zero waste program, strategies for communication of the program’s goals were implemented
Summary
Zero-waste programs in cities usually target the total recycling and recovery of resources from waste materials [1]. It is imperative to address the valorization of the recovery of solid waste as an alternative since it can contribute to the performance of renewable and nonrenewable resources, impact positively the environment and public health public, and create opportunities for econom-. The idea behind the concept is to foster a closed-loop system until the materials reach an optimum level of consumption [3]. Reaching this optimum level is complicated because consumption habits affect the generation of waste and have changed the composition of the Municipal Solid Waste [4]. A large investment is required in order to ensure the success of a zero waste program, yet it is possible to reduce waste production with only a minimal investment [5]
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