3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) Program for University Waste
UKM has planned and implemented programs related to 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for university waste. Among the initiatives is the establishment of a formal policy to reduce the use of paper and plastic since 2019. The continuous efforts of 3R programs by UKM are listed below:
UKM strongly supports establishing a formal policy to reduce the use of paper and plastic and has implemented substantial efforts in reducing the use of plastic and plastic in the campus. The efforts UKM has worked on in the campus are as stated below:
Starting April 1, 2019, the Circular on Prohibiting the Use of Plastic Beverage Straws has come into effect for all UKM food premises where all parties appointing food suppliers must include this prohibition element in UKM food premises.
Effective April 1, 2015, all cafeteria/food kiosk operators in UKM are prohibited from using polystyrene containers and plastic bags to package food and beverages sold at their respective business premises. This effort has helped conserve and maintain the cleanliness and sustainability of the campus.
UKM strives to go ‘paperless’ through the document management system in UKM or known as SPD UKM.
Jom Fabrik 2.0 program aimed to educate the younger generation about the importance of recycling used fabrics while also being able to provide awareness to the community about the importance of recycling. The highlight of this program was that citizens were invited to donate used fabrics into the donation bin.
UKM practices a waste segregation policy with the use of recycling bins in the campus.
UKM Recycling Centre (Pusat Kitar Semula UKM). UKM has a dedicated recycling center situated at the main campus that also serves the surrounding communities. The building itself is designed to be eco-friendly. The main projects implemented are related to waste separation, recycling, composting, legislation, bin monitoring system, biogas and education and awareness of UKM citizens.
This program is a collaboration between UKM and Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd. which had shown great participation by the UKM community, towards creating a recycling culture among Malaysians as this program managed to successfully collect 1330 kg of recyclable items.
UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability organized the event of Climate Action Festival@UKM with various exciting programmes on sustainability and climate change during this event, such as exhibitions, recycling program, Sustainability Pocket Talk, Sustainable Living Workshop and food on wheels/truck.
Recycle Week is a program for students and staffs in UKM for them to learn about “conventional waste disposal” and how to save materials and prevent the waste of potentially useful materials. This program helped in spreading awareness on the issues of 3R programs, and on how to creatively recycle materials, to the community that participated in this program.
SIG I-Bisnes Club organized a short video competition with the theme “Recycling With Creativity” where the participants are asked to produce creative recycled materials, and shown in the form of a short video with duration of only 2 minutes. This program was helpful in encouraging the community on creative waste management, particularly in recycling program.
Program Cuti Sekolah ( School Holiday Program “iG-Home : Sustainable House Innovation” ) comprised of five sub-programs which are (11) Jom Uruskan Sisa (Let’s Manage Our Waste), (12) Jom Kompos Sisa (Let’s Compost Our Waste), (13) Jom Jimat Air (Let’s Conserve Water), (14) Jom Hijaukan Rumah ( Let Our House Green) dan (15) Jom Jimat Tenaga (Let’s Conserve Energy), for school students that participated during school holiday. This five-days program was helpful in teaching and spreading the knowledge of sustainability and focusing on waste management to the youth.
Campus Food Waste
UKM measure the proportion of food (metric ton) wasted/discarded per person on campus. To ensure sustainable food waste management, UKM measures the proportion of food wasted and discarded per person on campus.
Food Waste Management in UKM
UKM has an action plan in empowering the waste management system. One of the sources of waste production is food waste which is generated from the 20 cafeterias in the UKM campus, including in residential colleges.
Therefore, UKM also continuously runs a food waste management campaign, especially in the college cafeteria. A special bin facility to separate food waste from other solid waste is provided to ensure that food waste can be weighed and undergo further treatment. The purpose of this campaign is to increase the awareness and importance of separating food waste as found in the UKM’s food waste management guide.
Sources of Waste Production in UKM
In 2022, the amount of waste produced in UKM is 4213.24 mt where 45% of this amount of waste is food waste. Food waste from UKM is caused by cafeterias that provide food to UKM residents. There are 20 cafeterias in UKM which includes those in residential colleges.
Food waste from the cafeteria will be managed by a contractor appointed by UKM and will be sent to the main waste collection point. A special waste bin for food waste is provided at the waste collection point to ensure that food waste is separated from other domestic waste.
At UKM, this food waste is one of the sources for the production of organic compost. Food waste management is divided into two forms, namely waste from human food or waste from kitchen food preparation (organic waste) and solid waste (inorganic waste). This cause often occurs from residences (housing) and commercial areas such as markets, grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias of educational and industrial institutions.
Food Waste Management Programs in UKM
Based on the Waste Segregation Program, there are 3 basic steps which includes selecting the inorganic waste such as tissue paper and plastic food wrapping, segregating the organic waste and separating the plates and utensils into the bins provided.
UKM also made new innovations in waste management by introducing a food waste decomposition machine to maximize the effectiveness of food waste that will be used as compost.
Operational Measures
All food vendors and handlers at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) campus are prohibited from using polystyrene boxes with immediate effect.
Launching the Zero Polystyrene Campus Campaign here effective April 1st, one of the main environmental challenges on campus is the disposal of rubbish with huge quantities of polystyrene, which are not biodegradable. All nine residential colleges with 9,000 residents or the total 15,000 people including staff throw away the polystyrene wrappings after breakfast or lunch at various bins around campus.
UKM has 7 spring water tube wells which at one time proved crystal-clear natural water. However, waste polystyrene with plastic bags clogged some wells until they became useless with the trash spilling out. Polystyrene is not biodegradable like some wastes and it will pollute the water in the campus area.
The recent water shortage is also linked to the disruption of operations at the Bukit Tampoi wastewater treatment plant for 6 days. Apparently, one factor is the water flowing out of UKM into Sungai Langat has been contaminated with polystyrene which is not easily eliminated.
Although UKM has its own sewage treatment plant, the water discharged into Sungai Langat still contains polystyrene. Therefore, UKM took action to reduce the impact of pollution by prohibiting the use of polystyrene.
Cafeterias and restaurants were invited to help reduce water pollution. All cafes in UKM have received directives from office not to use. Instead they should use biodegradable packaging, or wrap the food for take away.
The use of recycling bins in campus
Production of compost from plant waste, landscaping and waste from college cafeterias
System to reduce use of paper
UKM Regulation banning plastic straws effective 1 April 2019
Separation of food waste in college cafeterias
Towards A Zero Waste Campus
Flow Waste Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
UKM Waste Disposal to Landfill
UKM appoints the waste disposal contractor that measures the amount of waste sent to landfill. The waste loading process in UKM is operated daily. The waste contractor that manages waste disposal at UKM delivers the waste at Tanjung Dua Belas Sanitary Landfill, Sepang, Selangor. The travel distance from UKM to this landfill is 38.2 km.
Waste loading process by the waste contractors appointed by UKM
Treatment of Organic and Inorganic Waste in UKM
UKM manages domestic waste from the activities of its citizens in accordance with procedures and regulations set by the government and guidelines approved at the highest management level.
Waste segregation at the source is the process of separating solid waste produced at the source according to the composition of inorganic waste such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles, tissues, paper, paper / plastic water containers, drink boxes, water straws and food plastics while organic waste (food waste/ kitchen waste) are such as fruit skins, onion skins, egg skins, excess vegetable pieces, chicken, meat, fish, rice, various noodles, shellfish, bread, cakes, leftover bones and so on.
UKM is aiming to achieve zero waste campus by 2050.
The type of organic waste produced in the UKM campus consists of food waste, and also garden waste. Food waste in the campus is produced from the food supply by the cafeteria premises in UKM, while garden waste is produced from landscape maintenance works and plants found in the UKM campus such as dry leaves, and rotting branches.
Food waste from the cafeteria will be managed by a contractor appointed by UKM and will be sent to the main waste collection point. A special waste bin for food waste is provided at the waste collection point to ensure that food waste is separated from other domestic waste. At UKM, this food waste is one of the sources for the production of organic compost. Food waste management is divided into two forms, namely waste from human food or waste from kitchen food preparation (organic waste) and solid waste (inorganic waste). This cause often occurs from residences (housing) and commercial areas such as markets, grocery stores, restaurants, cafeterias of educational and industrial institutions.
The UKM Recycling Center (PKSUKM) was established in 2011 and has been partnered with Alam Flora Sdn Bhd. It was built with the aim of managing solid waste in an integrated manner towards achieving the first Zero Waste Campus in Malaysia. It is the first project implemented in Malaysia and UKM is categorized as a pioneer and an example to public and private university in an effort to develop research related to solid waste. The main projects implemented are related to waste separation, recycling, composting, legislation, bin monitoring system, biogas and education and awareness of UKM citizens.
PKSUKM was handed over to the Department of Infrastructure Development in 2016 until now to manage waste separation, recycling, composting and education and awareness for UKM citizens.
Sanitary Towel Bins Management in UKM
The sanitary towel bins management services in the women’s toilets in academic and administrative buildings handle services such as supplying, delivering, replacing and maintaining the sanitary bins in UKM.
E-Waste Briefing
The e-waste briefing is conducted to deliver a briefing identifying the types of e-waste. This briefing also aims to raise awareness about the importance of managing e-waste in an orderly and efficient manner.
UKM E-Waste Collection Day 1.0 and 2.0
UKM held an E-Waste Collection Day in 2018. The objective of the UKM E-Waste Collection Day that has been done is to collect used and damaged goods that can be disposed of in the right way. Examples of E-Waste that can be sent are electronic waste such as old mobile phones, used laptops, CPUs and other related items.
UKM is aiming to achieve zero waste campus by 2050
Other initiatives for organic waste treatment in UKM
Apart from the production of compost, UKM is also working to produce animal feed, fertilizer, biodiesel and biogas through the farming of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) and the implementation of anaerobic digestion. This effort is being carried out by a research group at UKM consisting of researchers in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
UKM Recycling Center
Composting Centre UKM
Compost Fertilizer
The recycling center also prepares various facilities for the optimization of recycled materials.
Other Initiatives
Toxic Waste Treatment
In Malaysia, hazardous waste is defined as scheduled waste. There are 77 types of scheduled wastes listed under the First Schedule of Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005. Scheduled wastes shall be disposed of at prescribed premises only. The National University of Malaysia (UKM) is one of the waste generators.
UKM has an extensive treatment program for handling toxic waste in the campus. In UKM we have a unit called UKM Occupational Health, Safety & Risk Management Centre (ROSH-UKM) that manages a safe and healthy work environment through a planned work ethics and sustainable risk management. One of their roles is to manage the toxic waste from UKM, as follows.
- Chemical waste
- Biological waste
- Electronic waste (E-waste)
Toxic waste in UKM will be dealt separately to three categories, which are chemical, biological and e-waste. ROSH-UKM manages the chemical waste treatment based on the guidelines on waste disposal of scheduled chemical waste, empty bottle and glass equipment. Below is the process that ROSH follows for chemical waste treatment.
- Preparation of Scheduled Waste Disposal Schedule (Chemical Waste), Empty Bottles & Glassware
- Prepare Scheduled Waste Disposal Schedule (Chemical Waste), Empty Bottles and Glassware and distribute to all Responsibility Centers (PTj) and packaging contractors involved.
- Preparation of Scheduled Waste Labels
Prepare scheduled waste labels and distribute to PTj involved. - Receipt of Scheduled Waste Disposal Summary Form (Chemical Waste) and Empty Bottle and Glassware Disposal Summary Form
Receive Scheduled Waste Disposal Summary Form (Chemical Waste) and Empty Bottle and Glassware Disposal Summary Form from PTj to determine the number of drums and inform the packaging contractor. - Collection And Packaging
Ensure that each PTj collects chemical waste, empty bottles and glassware in the location that has been designated by the respective PTj.
prescribed premises in Malaysia.
ROSH-UKM manages biological waste for example, petri dishes, personal protective equipment, pipette tips and others by implementing the guideline of biological waste disposal. From the guideline, the management of biological waste by ROSH is as follows.
- Determining the placement of wheeled biological waste bins (to be supplied by the disposal contractor) at the Responsibility Center (PTj) which involved. Bin placement is based on need and request from PTj.
- Prepare Biological Waste Disposal Schedule.
- Distributing the Biological Waste Disposal Schedule to all PTj involved and appointed contractors.
For electronic waste (e-waste), UKM subjects to the University Movable Asset Disposal Management Guideline in UKM.
Acts and regulations
In Malaysia, hazardous waste is defined as scheduled waste. There are 77 types of scheduled wastes listed under the First Schedule of Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005. Scheduled wastes shall be disposed of at prescribed premises only. UKM is one of the waste generators.
Amount of toxic waste generated for 2022
The amount of toxic waste, which is biological and chemical waste, that was generated in 2022 is 41,764.31 kg
Containers of scheduled wastes shall be clearly
labeled in accordance with the types applicable to
them as specified in the Environmental Quality
(Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.
Waste generator shall keep an inventory of scheduled wastes.
Extension of Goods and Services
Malaysia’s efforts towards reducing GHG emissions are supported by the implementation of Government Green Procurement Guideline in 2020 that outlines the direction for development of sustainable and integrated to conserve natural resources for the present generation and future.
UKM prohibits the use of plastic straws and polystyrene in the UKM cafeteria. All cafeteria operators are only allowed to use environmentally friendly food containers such as biodegradable containers, transparent food containers and food paper wrappers.
Paper-wrapped food in one of UKM Cafeteria, Tun Hussein Onn College (KTHO) Cafeteria.
Transparent food container available in all UKM cafeteria
In UKM, the separation of inorganic materials is also implemented, including paper, bottles and metal by cleaning workers before being sent to the Recycling Center for recycling.
Separation of colored and white paper into recycling paper box
For stationary appliances in UKM, the suppliers for the A4 paper in UKM only supply the papers that are certified from sustainable sources only.
For the maintenance of electrical materials, for example building lights, the maintenance workers only use energy-saving lights, which are LED lights in the buildings in the campus.
Energy saving LEDs in UKM Campus
Plastic Impact Reduction Program on the Environment Through the 5R Module
The Program to Reduce the Impact of Plastic on the Environment Through the 5R Module is a community program that provides awareness regarding the importance of reducing and encouraging domestic waste recycling activities. Apart from teachers and school students, this program also involves parents and the local community.
Recycling Program With Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd.
This program is a collaboration between UKM and Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd. which had shown great participation by the UKM community, towards creating a recycling culture among Malaysians as this program managed to successfully collect 1330 kg of recyclable items
Program to Reduce the Impact of Plastic on the Environment Through the 5R Module
The Program to Reduce the Impact of Plastic on the Environment Through the 5R Module is a community program that provides awareness regarding the importance of reducing and encouraging domestic waste recycling activities. Apart from teachers and school students, this program also involves parents and the local community.
Preparation of paper cups for drinking water supply during official university ceremonies
The Program to Reduce the Impact of Plastic on the Environment Through the 5R Module is a community program that provides awareness regarding the importance of reducing and encouraging domestic waste recycling activities. Apart from teachers and school students, this program also involves parents and the local community.
During official university ceremonies, the drinking water supplied in the water dispenser will be put in the venue for the attendees. Only the paper cups are provided as a biodegradable material to use in filling the water, as an effort to reduce the use of plastic cups in the campus.
Day Camp Squad Palma Emas
Day Camp Squad Palma Emas is providing exposure, fostering awareness and also introducing issues related to climate change, particularly about the palm oil ecosystem and its relationship with human life to students aged 9 – 12 years.
Green Procument Policy
UKM Bangi Campus Physical Development Master Plan 2007-2020
The UKM Bangi Campus Physical Development Master Plan 2007-2020 has been prepared in house by academics, professionals, implementersand administrators involved in planning, development and management of the campus, although assisted by IZM Consult in the aspect of land use planning.
The preparation of this master plan is based on a problem solving approach and goal achievement. Key issues such as a lack of parking in some locations, building design that lacks local identity, poorly maintained water bodies, underutilised open and recreational areas, and soft and bold landscapes that are less harmonious can be overcome with suggestions from the concept of sustainable development, which emphasises the connection and relationship between users, between users and service providers, and the movement of students and staff, who are the primary stakeholders.
