Redeemer’s University Policy on Minimisation of Plastic Use and Disposable Items

Article Image

Purpose

Redeemer’s University recognises the urgent need to reduce plastic pollution and the environmental damage caused by single-use and disposable items. This policy outlines the University’s commitment to minimising plastic consumption, eliminating single-use plastics, and promoting sustainable material alternatives across all its operations. It also reflects Redeemer’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s transition toward a circular economy, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12, SDG 14, and SDG 15.

Through innovative teaching, research, and operational practices, Redeemer’s University seeks to set a benchmark among tertiary institutions in Nigeria for environmentally responsible procurement, plastic waste reduction, and sustainable supply-chain management.



Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All university departments, offices, faculties, and research centres including ACEWATER, IGH (formerly ACEGID), and other research institutes.
  • Outsourced services and contractors, such as canteens, catering services, cleaning units, and security providers operating on campus.
  • All members of the university community, students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

All procurement activities, supply-chain transactions, and events (both internal and external) organised under the university’s name.



Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University commits to the following actions:

  1. Reduction of Plastic Use
    • Phase out single-use plastics (such as bottles, cups, and disposable cutlery) from all university facilities by replacing them with biodegradable, compostable, or reusable alternatives.
    • Encourage the use of personal reusable containers by staff and students through awareness campaigns and incentives.
    • Implement a campus-wide waste segregation system to enable recycling and reduce landfill contribution.
    • Collaborate with research institutes like ACEWATER and IGH to monitor environmental pollution from plastic waste and promote eco-innovation through student research.
  2. Sustainable Procurement
    • Ensure that all suppliers and vendors providing goods or services to the university adhere to ethical and environmental standards that limit plastic packaging and encourage bulk purchasing.
    • Include sustainability clauses in all procurement and outsourcing contracts to ensure suppliers minimise plastic packaging and prioritise recyclable materials.
    • Prioritise local sourcing of food and supplies to reduce transport-related waste and carbon emissions.
  3. Minimisation of Disposable Items
    • Ban the use of non-recyclable disposable plastics at all university events, offices, and cafeterias.
    • Introduce deposit-return or incentive systems to encourage recycling behaviour among the campus community.
    • Promote digital documentation and reduce single-use paper consumption through e-governance systems.
    • Encourage departments to adopt reusable items such as metal or bamboo cutlery, glass bottles, and cloth napkins in place of plastic disposables.
  4. Research and Education
    • Support student-led research projects and innovations in waste reduction, plastic recycling, and material reuse.
    • Organise workshops, exhibitions, and seminars on sustainable waste management practices for students and local communities.
    • Partner with national agencies and NGOs to pilot new waste management and circular economy initiatives on campus.


University Responsibility

Redeemer’s University, through the Office of Physical Planning and Development (OPPD), Facilities Management Unit, and Research Institutes, shall:

  • Develop and maintain monitoring systems to track plastic use reduction targets annually.
  • Ensure that all contracted vendors and caterers comply with this policy by integrating sustainability clauses into their contracts.
  • Conduct annual campus audits on waste generation, plastic reduction progress, and disposal methods.
  • Promote student and staff participation through environmental clubs, seminars, and “Zero Plastic” awareness campaigns.
  • Collaborate with organisations such as ACEWATER and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment to ensure compliance with national and global environmental standards.

Latest News