Policy waste disposal - landfill policy

Contents

1. Purpose

2. Scope

3. Legal Framework

4. Waste Stream Management Policies

5. Reduction of Plastics and Disposable Items

6. Guidelines for Outsourced Service Providers

7. Monitoring

1. Purpose

Qassim University is committed to supporting Saudi Vision 2030's environmental sustainability objectives, including the transition to a circular economy, reduction of pollution, and responsible use of natural resources. As part of the University's sustainability framework, these Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Guidelines establish a structured approach to minimizing waste generation and maximizing reuse and recycling across campus.

The University adopts the waste management hierarchy-prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, recovery, and disposal-as the foundation of its operational and procurement decision-making. The University will:

• Reduce waste generation at source.
• Maximize the reuse and recycling of materials.
• Ensure that waste is managed in a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible manner.

These guidelines reinforce the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, primarily Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and complement Saudi Vision 2030 objectives related to environmental protection, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable communities.

Consideration of end-of-life impacts (including disposal costs and environmental footprint) must be integrated into procurement decisions, construction projects, renovations, and operational activities.

2. Scope

These guidelines apply to all University faculty, staff, students, contractors, and catering/service partners operating on the University campus or in University-affiliated facilities.

They are applicable to:

• All University buildings and student residences.
• All waste streams generated on site.
• All procurement activities where waste reduction must be treated as a key evaluation criterion.

3. Legal Framework

All waste management activities must comply with:

• National environmental legislation and regulatory requirements of the Waste Management Law (2021) and the regulations issued by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN) and the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC).
• Applicable municipal waste management standards.
• International standards and best practice for safe disposal, recycling, and waste minimization.

4. Waste Stream Management Policies

4.1 General Waste

• The University shall ensure that waste contractors comply with sustainability and waste-minimization requirements, which shall be included in tendering and contract documentation.
• Education and awareness campaigns will be implemented to reduce general waste generation and align with Vision 2030 waste-reduction targets.

4.2 Mixed Recycling

• Clearly marked color-coded recycling bins for plastics, metals, glass, paper, and cardboard must be readily available across campus.
• Catering partners must provide accessible recycling stations within their venues.

4.3 Organic/Food Waste

• Catering outlets shall implement separate food waste streams for both customers and staff.
• Staff must be trained to correctly segregate waste.
• Catering partners must report food waste quantities to the University.

4.4 Hazardous Waste

• Hazardous waste shall be managed under the University's Hazardous Waste Policy.
• A live chemical inventory must be maintained, and disposal must comply with regulatory requirements.

4.5 Electrical Items & Batteries (WEEE)

• All end-of-life electrical equipment and batteries (WEEE) must be disposed of through licensed channels in accordance with national waste regulations.
• The University will track quantities produced annually.

4.6 Glass & Aluminum

• Dedicated recycling banks for glass and aluminium will be located across campus.
• Users must segregate these materials at source to improve recycling efficiency.

4.7 Printer Cartridges

• Each department is responsible for cartridge recycling and must coordinate with suppliers or waste management representatives.

5. Reduction of Plastics and Disposable Items

In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030's Climate Action Plan and waste reduction goals, the University shall:

• Eliminate single-use plastics from all University operations and events.
• Prohibit disposable cups, plates, and cutlery in food service areas (excluding clinical environments).
• Prioritize sustainable, reusable, and compostable alternatives.
• Reduce single-use plastics in laboratories and encourage environmentally sustainable alternatives.

6. Guidelines for Outsourced Service Providers

The University will partner only with providers who support our environmental sustainability values. As part of contractual requirements, providers must:

• Minimize packaging and decant food products at the point of delivery.
• Use crockery where possible and compostable materials where disposables are unavoidable.
• Ensure correct segregation and daily removal of waste.
• Source food ingredients responsibly and in compliance with Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture regulations.
• Manage fats, oils, grease, and food waste in line with regulatory standards.
• Provide facilities and staff training to support reusable cup use and washing.
• Ensure waste receptacles are segregated, clearly labeled, and maintained.

7. Monitoring

• The University will collect and analyze monthly waste data from all waste contractors.
• Catering partners must submit waste data to the Buildings & Estates team for reporting.
• Waste data and recycling performance will be published monthly, including recycling percentages and progress toward Vision 2030 targets.