Waste Measurement and Recycling Management Policy

1. Policy Statement

An-Najah National University (ANNU) is firmly committed to advancing sustainable waste management practices that minimize the environmental impact of its operations.
This policy establishes a unified framework for measuring, monitoring, and managing all waste streams generated across the university, with a focus on reducing landfill disposal and increasing recycling and reuse rates.

By implementing this policy, ANNU aims to foster a data-driven culture of waste accountability and continuous improvement consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

1. Quantify and track all waste generated across ANNU campuses, including general, recyclable, organic, and hazardous waste.

2. Measure and report the amount of waste sent to landfill versus the amount recycled, reused, or composted.

3. Ensure compliance with national environmental regulations and international sustainability standards.

4. Promote awareness among students, faculty, and staff on waste segregation and resource recovery.

5. Support institutional sustainability targets, including zero-waste and carbon-neutrality goals.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All ANNU campuses, buildings, laboratories, and student facilities.

• All units generating waste: academic, administrative, maintenance, cafeterias, dormitories, and laboratories.

• All forms of waste including:

  • Recyclable materials (paper, plastic, metal, glass, e-waste)

  • Organic waste (food waste, compostable materials)

  • General non-recyclable waste

  • Hazardous waste (chemical, medical, laboratory waste)

4. Objectives

1. Establish baseline data on total waste generation per campus and per capita.

2. Implement a measurement and data-logging system for waste quantities collected, recycled, and sent to landfill.

3. Encourage source separation through clearly labeled waste bins and awareness campaigns.

4. Collaborate with local municipalities and recycling companies for transparent data exchange and waste diversion tracking.

5. Implementation Procedures

• 5.1. Waste Segregation:
  Color-coded containers shall be placed in all university facilities to separate recyclables, organics, and landfill waste.

• 5.2. Measurement & Data Recording:
  Facilities and Maintenance Department, in coordination with the Environmental & Sustainability Office, shall:

  • Record weights (kg) of each waste category using digital scales at collection points.

  • Maintain monthly and annual records of waste quantities.

  • Report results to the University Sustainability Committee.

• 5.3. Data Analysis & Reporting:
  Annual waste performance reports shall include:

  • Total waste generated (tons/year)

  • Waste sent to landfill (%)

  • Waste recycled/composted (%)

  • Year-to-year improvement trends
    These data will feed into the university’s Sustainability Dashboard.

• 5.4. Training & Awareness:
  Regular workshops and student campaigns will be organized to promote waste minimization, recycling, and responsible consumption habits.

• 5.5. Review & Continuous Improvement:
  The policy will be reviewed every two years to incorporate new waste technologies, university initiatives, and national environmental legislation updates.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

7. Compliance and Reporting

• ANNU will comply with all applicable Palestinian environmental and waste management regulations.

• Reports will be submitted annually to the Vice President for Administrative Affairs and published on the ANNU Sustainability webpage for transparency.

8. Related Policies and References

• Palestinian Environmental Law (1999) and Waste Management Regulation (2020)

• Sustainable Waste Management Policy