Policies

Waste Management & Sustainability Policy

Last Updated: 06 March, 2025
1. Preamble and Purpose

Noakhali Science and Technology University (NSTU) is committed to environmental sustainability, responsible resource management, and reducing the ecological footprint of its operations, aligning with national goals and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

This policy outlines the University's formal processes for managing all waste streams, minimizing the use of harmful and disposable materials, and ensuring these standards are met by its partners, suppliers, and contractors.

2. Hazardous Waste Management

The University as a body maintains a formal policy and process for the safe and compliant disposal of all hazardous materials.

2.1. Identification and Segregation

All hazardous materials (including, but not limited to, chemical waste from laboratories, biological waste from medical or life-science departments, electronic waste, and sharp objects) must be identified, labeled, and segregated at the point of generation according to established University safety protocols.

2.2. Storage and Disposal

The University shall maintain designated, secure storage areas for hazardous waste.

2.3. Licensed Disposal

The University has a formal process to ensure all hazardous waste is collected, transported, and disposed of exclusively by waste management vendors. All disposal activities must be documented with a manifest to ensure a clear chain of custody and regulatory compliance.

3. Waste Auditing and Measurement

The University as a body has a formal policy to measure and report on its waste streams to drive continuous improvement.

3.1. Measurement Process

The University shall implement a process to measure, on an ongoing basis, the total volume and weight of waste generated on campus.

3.2. Data Collection

This process will specifically differentiate and quantify the amount of waste sent to landfill versus the amount of waste diverted for recycling, including paper, plastics, glass, metal, and organic compost.

3.3. Reporting

Departments, canteens, and outsourced services must report volumes of waste generated, recycled, and sent to landfill. The Estates Office shall be responsible for collecting this data and producing an annual waste report. This report will be used to set future targets for waste reduction and increasing the campus recycling rate.

4. Use Minimization Policies

The University as a body adopts policies to actively minimize the consumption of plastics and other single-use items.

4.1. Plastic Minimization

The University has a policy to phase out non-essential single-use plastics across all campus operations.

  • Scope: This policy targets items such as plastic bags, single-use water bottles, plastic cutlery, straws, and non-compostable food packaging.
  • Action: The University will prioritize the installation of water refill stations, promote "bring-your-own-container" initiatives in canteens, and mandate that all campus vendors use compostable or reusable alternatives where feasible.
4.2. Disposable Item Minimization

The University has a policy to reduce the overall consumption of disposable items.

  • Scope: This extends beyond plastic to include paper cups, paper towels (promoting hand dryers), and excessive paper use (promoting "think before you print" digital-first practices).
  • Action: University events shall be required to follow a "Green Event Guideline" that minimizes disposable decorations and serviceware.
5. Extension to Outsourced Services & Supply Chain

These policies formally extend to all outsourced services and the University's supply chain. This principle is embedded in the University's procurement process.

5.1. Application to Outsourced Services
  • All contracts and agreements for outsourced services (including catering, cleaning, security, event management, and maintenance) shall include specific clauses requiring the service provider to comply with this policy.
  • Service providers must demonstrate how they will manage their waste, dispose of any hazardous materials, and support the University's goals for minimizing plastic and disposable items while performing their duties on campus.
5.2. Application to Supply Chain and Suppliers
  • This policy extends to all suppliers of goods, such as equipment, stationery, and building contractors.
  • Procurement Evaluation: The University's procurement department shall give preference to suppliers who demonstrate strong sustainability practices.

This includes:

  • Stationery/Equipment: Preferring suppliers who offer products with high recycled content, minimal packaging, and end-of-life take-back options (e.g., for electronics).
  • Building Contracts: Requiring all construction and renovation contractors to submit a waste management plan detailing how they will recycle demolition waste and minimize landfill impact.
6. Responsibility

The Sustainability Wing of Noakhali Science and Technology University, in coordination with the Registrar's Office, the Development and Planning Office, and other procurement cells, is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and enforcing this policy.

7. Review and Amendment

The first two years of this strategy (2024–2026) are regarded as a proposed and adaptive phase, during which amendments may be made based on practical experience and campus awareness needs. The final version is expected to be adopted in 2026, following review and consultation with stakeholders. Until then, this proposed version remains fully applicable and enforceable.