SDG 12 – RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

SDG 12 Indicator

12.2.3 12.2.4 12.2.5 12.2.6 12.2.7 12.2.8 12.3.1 12.4.1

12.2 – Operational measures

12.2.4 – Policy waste disposal – landfill policy

UKM’s Approach to Measuring Waste Sent to Landfill and Recycling

UKM has established clear policies and processes to manage domestic waste disposal and reduce its environmental footprint. The university’s landfill policy includes rules and regulations that govern the collection, transport and disposal of waste, with an emphasis on minimizing landfill waste and increasing recycling efforts.

1. Tender Documentation and Compliance

The Tender Document for Garbage Collection, Transport, and Disposal Services (2021)(UKM/JPP/ 15/2023) (LINK) serves as a formal agreement between UKM and its waste management contractors, ensuring that all operations are carried out in compliance with waste disposal laws. This tender document, which covers a three-year period, mandates contractors to dispose of waste at designated landfill sites and to follow all related laws for waste transportation and disposal. This includes providing appropriate documentation to demonstrate legal compliance.

The tender document was created in 2021 for services of garbage collection, transport and disposal services for Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 in UKM Bangi for a period of three years. The example of a tender document that highlights the rules and regulation of waste  management and disposal as shown as figure below. 

(Page : 59)(a) Through the tender document, all collected waste must be removed from campus promptly and disposed of at designated locations. Contractors are not permitted to leave waste on campus for more than a day to prevent unpleasant odors. Disposal sites must be approved by local authorities. Contractors need to submit proof of this authorization to UKM officials. Contractors are required to adhere to all relevant laws governing waste transportation and disposal. This section emphasizes timely waste removal, legal adherence, and cost clarity as part of the waste management contract.
(page: 61)(c)Through the tender document, contractors are required to support UKM’s zero-waste programs, including waste segregation, recycling campaigns, and related activities. Contractors are specifically tasked with managing food waste generated from kitchens and cafeterias. They must collect this waste, which is separated into dedicated food waste and non-organic waste bins. Contractors must comply with any additional instructions from UKM officials for waste collection and management, as needed. This section reinforces UKM’s commitment to proper food waste segregation, supporting sustainable practices within its waste management system
(page: 62)(c) The contractors are amended to do segregation on organic waste and obligated to follow all instructions from UKM officials without incurring additional costs for the university. Contractors must cooperate with UKM’s zero-waste and food waste segregation programs, including activities like recycling campaigns and clean-up initiatives. For food waste from cafeterias and kitchens, contractors are required to collect, wash, and place this waste into designated containers (e.g., black bins for compostable food waste). This waste is then transported to UKM’s Composting Facility. For food waste from cafeterias and kitchens, contractors are required to collect, wash, and place this waste into designated containers (e.g., black bins for compostable food waste). This waste is then transported to UKM’s Composting Facility. This section emphasizes UKM’s focus on thorough waste segregation, clean handling practices, and efficient food waste processing as part of its sustainability objectives.

This contract reflects UKM’s commitment to sustainability by enforcing structured waste management and promoting responsible disposal practices. Some of the key points that available in contract on waste disposal to measure the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycled

  1. Scope of Work: Daily tasks involve collecting and disposing of domestic waste, including food and cafeteria waste, from designated bins and ensuring cleanliness within a specified radius of collection points.
  2. Waste Separation: The contract mandates waste segregation at the source, with food and non-organic waste separated. Food waste, particularly from cafeterias, is directed to composting facilities to support sustainable waste management practices.
  3. Compliance and Penalties: The contract outlines penalties for non-compliance with various responsibilities, such as failing to attend meetings, maintain adequate staff, or follow specified protocols for waste collection and disposal.
  4. Documentation and Reporting: Contractors are required to document waste collection weights and submit monthly reports to relevant UKM officials, supporting transparency and tracking of waste management activities.
  5. Special Conditions: Contractors are expected to collaborate on UKM’s recycling and zero-waste programs and ensure adherence to additional directives from UKM officers when necessary.

By incorporating these detailed measures into its operational processes, UKM takes a proactive approach to managing landfill waste and promoting recycling. These efforts directly contribute to achieving the targets of SDG 12 by fostering responsible consumption and production practices. Through ongoing monitoring and evaluation, UKM ensures that its waste disposal policies support sustainable development goals, minimizing environmental harm and promoting a cleaner, healthier campus environment.

2. Landfill and Recycling Practices

UKM has implemented practices to monitor the amount of waste sent to landfills, in alignment with its landfill policy.  The waste disposal contractor responsible for managing the waste at UKM transports it to the Tanjung Dua Belas Sanitary Landfill in Sepang, Selangor. The distance from UKM to the landfill is 38.2 kilometers. The university measures the waste collected and ensures that contractors follow the stipulated guidelines to dispose of waste in an environmentally responsible manner. This process not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also enables UKM to track and report the amount of waste diverted from landfills and recycled

Figure of navigation tracking from UKM to Tanjung Dua Belas Sanitary Landfill and the operation of the waste collection and disposal at UKM
(Page: 62)(d) Through the tender document, contractors must record each waste collection (both domestic solid waste and cafeteria food waste) by weight, in tons or kilograms. The records should be in the form of receipts, created at the landfill or disposal site where the waste is weighed and submit this data in a report to relevant UKM officials every month, using the provided forms. This section emphasizes accountability and tracking, ensuring that waste disposal activities are well-documented and regularly reported.