2.2 – Campus food waste

2.2.1 – Campus food waste tracking

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger by focusing on effective food waste management on campus. A key element of this effort involves the systematic tracking and management of food waste generated within campus cafeterias. This initiative not only addresses the issue of food waste but also supports the broader goal of sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible waste management practices.

UKM measures the amount of food waste generated from food served within the university. In 2023, UKM tracked approximately 417 metric tons of food waste across 4 zones that included residential colleges. One of the sources of waste production is food waste which is generated from the 10 cafeterias in the UKM campus, including in residential colleges. Therefore, UKM also continuously runs a food waste management campaign, especially in the residential 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. 60% food waste will be sent to several treatments such as composting center, anaerobic digestion and black soldier fly (BSF).

1. Separation of Waste from Cafeteria to Landfill

Effective food waste management begins with the systematic separation of waste at the point of disposal. Within the UKM campus, waste generated by cafeterias is meticulously sorted into different categories to ensure proper disposal and minimize environmental harm.

a) Waste Sorting Process

Waste is sorted into specific bins for biodegradable materials, non-biodegradable items, recyclables (such as plastic, glass, and paper) and potentially harmful substances like chemicals. This categorization is crucial for the effective management of waste and helps ensure that each type of waste is handled appropriately. Customers and cafeteria staff are encouraged to use designated bins, making the sorting process more efficient and effective.

b) Collection and Disposal

Dedicated waste collection teams are responsible for ensuring that segregated waste is collected regularly. The collected waste is then directed to the appropriate facilities: biodegradable waste is sent for composting, recyclables are transported to recycling centers, and non-recyclable items are taken to landfill areas. This systematic approach ensures that waste is disposed of in a manner that aligns with environmental regulations and sustainability goals.

c) Reducing Environmental Impact

By adhering to strict protocols for handling and disposing of waste, UKM aims to reduce the environmental impact of food waste generated on campus. Proper waste management practices not only minimize the harm to the environment but also support the campus community’s broader sustainability objectives.

2. Promoting a Culture of Waste Management

A key aspect of UKM’s waste management initiative is the promotion of a culture of responsible waste management within the campus community. By encouraging both customers and staff to participate in waste separation and proper disposal practices, UKM is fostering a culture of sustainability that extends beyond the cafeteria.

a) Awareness and Education

UKM actively promotes awareness and education regarding waste management practices. Through workshops, campaigns and informational materials, the campus community is informed about the importance of waste separation and the role it plays in achieving sustainability goals.

b) Collaboration and Engagement

The success of UKM’s waste management initiative relies on the active participation and collaboration of all campus stakeholders. By engaging students, staff and faculty in waste management efforts, UKM is building a sense of communal responsibility and commitment to sustainability.

UKM’s approach to campus food waste tracking and management is a critical component of its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. By implementing a systematic waste separation process, promoting responsible disposal practices, and fostering a culture of sustainability, UKM is making significant strides in reducing food waste and minimizing its environmental impact. These efforts not only support the goal of zero hunger but also contribute to the overall sustainability and well-being of the campus community. As UKM continues to refine and expand its waste management initiatives, it will further strengthen its role as a leader in sustainable campus practices.

Food Waste Tracking at UKM, Bangi

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively monitors and manages food waste as part of its sustainability initiatives. In 2023, UKM produced approximately 489 metric tons of total organic waste, with food waste generated 417 metric tons or 416,500.9 kg. This significant proportion is primarily generated by the 4 zones on campus, including 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. Below are the summaries of the food waste collection in Cafeteria at UKM Bangi.

Food waste tracking measure at UKM Bangi

	Waste segregation		January	February	March	April	Mei	June	July	August	September	October	November	December	Total (Kg)
Food Sources (Cafeteria)	Yes	No
Zone A·   Pendeta Za’ba·       Dato’ Onn·       Keris Mas	✔		11328.8	11235.5	11248.9	11008.9	11075.5	11062.3	11115.576	10928.98376	11155.56026	10982.29588	11008.95194	11128.9042	133280.3
Zone B·        Tun Hussein Onn·   Amiruddin Baqi·       Ungku Omar	✔		10266.74732	10182.19764	10194.27617	9976.862693	10037.25532	10025.1768	10073.4909	9904.391535	10109.72648	9952.70564	9976.862693	10085.56943	120785.3
Zone C·       Ibu Zain·       Rahim Kajai	✔		7080.515395	7022.205268	7030.535287	6880.594961	6922.245051	6913.915033	6947.235105	6830.614852	6972.22516	6863.934924	6880.594961	6955.565124	83300.2
Zone D·       Ibrahim Yaakub·   Burhanuddin Helmi	✔		6726.489625	6671.095005	6679.008522	6536.565212	6576.132799	6568.219281	6599.87335	6489.084109	6623.613902	6520.738178	6536.565212	6607.786867	79135.2
TOTAL (kg)	416,500.9

Waste Segregation at UKM Cafeteria

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has implemented comprehensive waste segregation initiatives within its residential colleges to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact. These efforts are part of UKM’s broader commitment to effective food waste management across the campus. The image shows waste segregation bins at a UKM cafeteria with tagging solid waste and food waste. This setup promotes proper disposal, supporting UKM’s sustainability goals by facilitating recycling and composting.

Composting Center

The UKM Compost Site was established in 2011 and currently utilizes windrow composting as its primary method for solid waste treatment. Approximately 4 to 7 tons of yard waste and 0.3 to 1.5 tons of food waste are sent to this site for this purpose. The windrows composting process takes 6 weeks to 6 months to complete, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. However, due to the lengthy duration required for organic fertilizer production and the increasing volume of waste generated at UKM, an initiative has been undertaken to introduce a new solid waste treatment method. Thus, a pilot study on bio-drying will be conducted at the UKM Compost Site to enhance efficiency.

The composting process starts with gathering materials which are yard waste and food waste. The mixture will undergo a decomposition process that needs several conditions and moisture. Next, the workers will mix the mixture before undergoing the drying process. The composting process is shown below.

After the drying process, the composting product will undergo a rolling process to produce a fine size of natural fertilizer product as shown in Figure 3.5.12. Composting product from organic waste to be sold and used for landscape fertilizer at UKM Bangi.

Next, the composting product will be used for landscape fertilizer in UKM Bangi as shown below

Anaerobic Digestion

Food waste is sent to anaerobic digestion treatment. Implementing anaerobic digester technology at UKM is a vital component of the university’s sustainable waste management strategy. This technology is designed to process approximately 8 kg of food waste daily by breaking down organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. The anaerobic digestion process generates biogas—a renewable energy source composed mainly of methane and carbon dioxide—that can be captured and utilized for heating, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the digestion produces nutrient-rich digestate, which serves as an organic fertilizer, enriching campus gardens and agricultural areas. This dual benefit of energy production and waste reduction not only minimizes the environmental impact of food waste but also contributes to the university’s goals of sustainability and resource efficiency. The anaerobic digester project at UKM Bangi enhances research opportunities in renewable energy and waste management while demonstrating a commitment to innovative, environmentally friendly practices on campus.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Bioconversion

UKM is also working to produce animal feed, fertilizer, biodiesel and biogas through the farming of Black Soldier Fly (BSF). The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology at UKM, launched in 2019, represents a significant advancement in sustainable waste management. This initiative focuses on converting organic waste, particularly food waste, into valuable products. The project collects food waste daily from two main cafeterias: Kolej Kris Mas and Pendeta Za’ba sent to treatment. By utilizing BSF larvae, UKM effectively reduces the volume of food waste sent to landfills while generating high-value by-products that support its sustainability goals. The BSF bioconversion process involves collecting food waste, placing it in controlled environments with BSF larvae, and allowing the larvae to consume the organic material. Within 14 days, the mature larvae are harvested for use as sustainable animal feed and protein supplements in aquaculture. The remaining frass serves as nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, completing the recycling loop.