Waste Measurement, Management and Recycling

Waste Measurement, Management and Recycling

Introduction

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research (JSS AHER) demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through comprehensive waste management systems. With an adherence to its Green Policy initiatives and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management certification, JSS AHER actively monitors and minimizes waste generation across all campuses. This report details the institution’s methods for managing solid, liquid, hazardous, and recyclable waste, focusing on continuous improvement in waste reduction.

Waste Generation Measurement

JSS AHER tracks waste produced across hostels, academic buildings, and healthcare units. Key waste categories include:

  • Student Plate Waste: Food waste from hostels and cafeterias.
  • Kitchen Waste: Vegetable peels, leftovers, and food preparation waste.
  • Other Solid Waste: Non-organic waste, including paper and packaging, which are segregated for recycling, composting, or disposal.

Specialized Waste Categories

  • Biomedical Waste: Strict segregation and disposal in accordance with Karnataka State Pollution Control Board guidelines.
  • E-Waste: Managed in collaboration with certified recyclers like Mahalakshmi e-Recycler Pvt. Ltd.
  • Sanitary Waste: Managed via incinerators in all ladies' hostels to ensure hygienic disposal.

Liquid Waste Management

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WTP)

JSS AHER utilizes an advanced WTP, capable of processing up to 3 lakh liters of liquid waste daily. Treated water is reused for landscaping and cleaning purposes.

Additional Treatment Measures

  • Disinfection Unit: Ensures wastewater meets environmental standards before discharge.
  • Hospital Wastewater: Wastewater from critical hospital units is treated to meet discharge standards.

Rainwater Harvesting

The campus harvests over 10 lakh liters of rainwater annually, which helps recharge groundwater and provides water for domestic use.

Recycling Practices

Organic Waste Recycling (Vermicomposting)

JSS AHER operates six vermicomposting pits to process organic waste, including food scraps and garden clippings. Each cycle produces approximately 300 kg of compost, which is used for campus landscaping.

Paper and Plastic Recycling

Paper waste is segregated and recycled in partnership with M/S ESREE Green Works Pvt. Ltd., while plastics and glass are collected and sent for recycling to reduce landfill waste.

E-Waste Recycling

JSS AHER collaborates with authorized e-waste recyclers to dispose of electronic waste in an environmentally safe manner.

Promoting Reusables

The institution encourages the use of reusable materials, including eliminating single-use plastics in cafeterias and offices.

Special Projects and Innovations

Biogas Plants

Biogas plants installed at JSS Medical Institutions (JSS MI) and JSS College of Pharmacy process food waste, producing biogas for cooking, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These plants handle around 250 kg of waste daily.

Student-Led Initiatives

Student organizations run regular waste reduction and recycling workshops to promote sustainable practices among peers and staff.

Research & Development

JSS AHER funds research projects on waste-to-energy solutions and biodegradable alternatives, contributing to global sustainability innovations.

Quantitative Outcomes

From June 2023 to May 2024, JSS AHER achieved the following milestones in waste management and recycling:

  • Total Waste Generated: Approximately 60 tons annually.
  • Recycled Waste: 76% (45.6 tons) of the total waste was recycled, including paper, plastic, and metals.
  • Composted Organic Waste: Over 10 tons of organic waste was composted, reducing landfill waste by 20%.
  • E-Waste Recycled: Approximately 2 tons of electronic waste were safely recycled.
  • Waste Sent to Piggeries: 1.4 tons.
  • Landfill Waste: 1 ton (primarily non-recyclable materials like contaminated plastics and some sanitary waste).

Alignment with Global Sustainability Goals

JSS AHER’s waste management initiatives are closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing sustainability and environmental stewardship:

  • Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Minimizing waste through recycling and reusing materials.
  • Goal 13: Climate Action — Reducing greenhouse gas emissions via biogas production and composting.
  • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities — Supporting sustainable campus development.

Continuous Improvement

JSS AHER remains committed to refining its waste management practices to ensure sustainability and community engagement. Future goals include:

  • Expanding smart bin use for more accurate waste monitoring.
  • Launching awareness campaigns to promote waste segregation and encourage participation across the community.
  • Collaborating with more recycling agencies, including those for textiles and hazardous materials.
  • Introducing an annual "Zero Waste Week" to educate and involve the community in adopting best practices for waste management.

Conclusion

Through diligent tracking, effective segregation, and responsible recycling, JSS AHER is committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. The institution’s progressive waste management strategies set a benchmark for sustainability within the academic community, aligning with global environmental goals. The university continues to innovate and adapt, ensuring ongoing improvements in waste reduction and sustainability practices.