To enhance the efficiency of waste tracking and management, UEH has implemented source-based waste segregation in line with the UEH Green Campus Project, while also applying innovative solutions based on the 3R model (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle) across the entire system. This approach not only optimizes waste collection and treatment processes but also promotes the integration of technology in education and communication, placing users at the center to raise awareness about the benefits of sustainable consumption and the circular economy.

UEH has established a university-wide waste monitoring system, managed jointly by the Infrastructure Management Board and the UEH Green Campus Project. Data are collected annually, compiled, and reported at the end of the academic year, serving as a basis for adjusting waste reduction plans and improving recycling rates.

Through regular practice and monitoring, UEH has actively recorded, measured, and analyzed the volume of waste generated across the system, providing a foundation for refining operational processes and minimizing environmental impacts. The waste volume recorded for the year 2024 is as follows:

Indicators 2023 2024
Amount of waste generated (tons/year) 255 210
Amount of waste recycled (tons/year) 9 51
Amount of waste sent to landfill (tons/year) 247 159

 

The main reason is because UEH is in the process of expanding the university’s facilities and increasing enrollment targets.  In 2024, UEH enrolled 7,900 students, an increase of 100 compared to the previous year, mainly due to the introduction of two new training programs. On average, each student generates approximately 36.5 kilograms of waste per year. Although the total amount of waste increased, the volume of waste sent to landfill decreased compared to 2023. This demonstrates that UEH’s waste management policies and initiatives have produced positive and effective results.

Specifically, organic waste includes materials of plant and animal origin such as food scraps, fruit peels, spoiled vegetables, leaves, grass, coffee grounds, and other biodegradable matter. At UEH, maintaining on-campus animal programs – such as geese, ducks, pigeons, dogs, and cats – has contributed to an annual increase in organic waste.

For recyclable waste, the volume in 2024 increased significantly compared to 2023, reflecting the positive impact of policies aimed at reducing single-use plastics and promoting the use of recycled or eco-friendly materials. Many units have replaced plastic containers, cups, and bags with paper alternatives or environmentally friendly materials, contributing to a higher proportion of recyclables in the total waste stream.

Meanwhile, landfill waste, mainly consisting of leftover food, garden waste, and other non-recyclable organics, has also grown due to the expansion of training programs and the rapid increase in student enrollment. UEH continues to explore solutions to reduce landfill waste, aiming to move toward a Zero Waste Campus model in the coming stages.

Finally, hazardous waste at UEH primarily includes batteries used in teaching microphones, small electronic devices, and materials containing heavy metals. As this waste poses significant risks, the university places special emphasis on separate collection, minimizing use, and collaborating with specialized treatment units to ensure safe recycling while minimizing environmental impact.

In summary, although the total waste volume in 2024 showed an increasing trend, this growth remains fully within UEH’s control and rigorous management. The university has demonstrated its capacity to monitor, record, and categorize waste with increasing accuracy, marking a solid step forward on the journey toward a green, circular, and sustainable campus.

Open related link: December 4, 2024 – Waste tracking and waste management at UEH – https://future.ueh.edu.vn/the-impact-ranking/sdgs-item/12-3-1-theo-doi-chat-thai/