Policy on Plastic Waste Reduction

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Purpose

Redeemer’s University, Ede, is deeply committed to promoting environmental stewardship. This policy aims to reduce the generation and improper disposal of plastic waste on campus by fostering sustainable consumption habits, encouraging the use of biodegradable materials, and integrating eco-conscious practices across all university operations.

Plastic waste poses significant risks to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate degradation. This policy ensures Redeemer’s University acts responsibly by minimizing plastic use, managing waste efficiently, and creating awareness among students, staff, and partners to preserve a cleaner and healthier environment.



Scope

This policy applies to:

  1. All university departments, offices, and faculties, including teaching, research, and administrative units.
  2. Outsourced service providers such as food vendors, catering services, cleaning contractors, and maintenance teams operating within the university premises.
  3. All students, staff, and visitors engage in daily activities on campus, including events, workshops, and social gatherings.

It also extends to the supply chain, ensuring that vendors and suppliers engaged by the university adhere to the same plastic waste reduction principles.



Policy Statement

Redeemer’s University upholds a Zero Plastic Waste Commitment, aiming to reduce single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives across campus. The university will:

  1. Ban or phase out single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, disposable cups, plates, and plastic bags in cafeterias, offices, and events.
  2. Encourage the use of reusable or biodegradable materials, including cloth bags, refillable bottles, and eco-friendly packaging.
  3. Ensure proper waste segregation, with clearly labeled bins for recyclables and non-recyclables across all campus facilities.
  4. Collaborate with recycling companies and local environmental agencies to ensure collected plastic waste is processed responsibly.
  5. Integrate environmental education on plastic pollution and waste management into university campaigns, seminars, and student-led initiatives.


University Responsibilities

Redeemer’s University, through the Physical Planning and Works Department, Centre for Environmental Research and Control (CERC), and the Students’ Environmental Sustainability Committee, is responsible for implementing this policy by:

  1. Establishing a Plastic Waste Management Framework that monitors plastic usage and disposal across departments.
  2. Organizing awareness campaigns such as “RUN Green Campus” to educate staff and students about the impact of plastic pollution.
  3. Encouraging departments to source eco-friendly materials and engage suppliers committed to reducing plastic packaging.
  4. Partnering with local waste management and recycling firms to ensure efficient plastic collection, sorting, and recycling.
  5. Conducting annual waste audits to measure progress and identify new strategies for plastic waste reduction.


Implementation and Review

The Directorate of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance (DAPQA) will monitor the effectiveness of this policy in collaboration with the Environmental Management Committee. An annual sustainability report will be prepared to evaluate progress in plastic waste reduction and recommend improvements. The policy will undergo a three-year review cycle, ensuring continued relevance and alignment with global sustainability standards and national environmental regulations.

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