Have a policy process or practice on waste disposal - Covering hazardous materials

        Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has been committed to promoting sustainable development in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recognizing the importance of responsible resource consumption and waste management, PSU, under the authority of Sections 34 and 39 of the Prince of Songkla University Act B.E. 2559 (2016), has issued a policy on waste management and hazardous waste for the year 2024. This policy is designed to support and advance sustainable development in the following ways:

1. The university and its departments shall manage and develop a comprehensive waste management system from beginning to end, focusing on the active participation of students, staff, and vendors on campus. This approach aims for integrated action and effective implementation.

2. PSU and its departments shall aim to reduce waste generation and sort waste according to the 3Rs principles: Reduce (to minimize resource use and waste generation), Reuse (to maximize the value of materials), and Recycle (to reprocess waste for reuse).

3. PSU will encourage students, staff, vendors, and all users of the university premises to participate in environmental conservation efforts, particularly through reducing single-use plastics. The university will promote the use of environmentally friendly materials as per its guidelines.

4. The university will establish a waste classification system that includes five categories:

   • Type 1: Food waste, divided into two parts:
     • (a) Food waste from food vendors (e.g., vegetable scraps and fruit peels) for conversion into bio-based products or fertilizers.
     • (b) Food waste from cafeteria leftovers, which will be used as animal feed.
   • Type 2: Recyclable waste that can be reused through recycling.
   • Type 3: Fuel waste, such as disposable plastic packaging and materials with high calorific value, which will be processed for use as fuel substitutes.
   • Type 4: Hazardous waste, including materials with toxic, corrosive, or flammable properties, such as batteries and electronic devices, which will be safely disposed of.
   • Type 5: Other types of waste not included in the categories above.

5. The university and its departments will monitor the total waste volume, focusing on waste that goes to landfills versus what is recycled.

6. PSU will promote awareness campaigns to foster a culture of waste reduction, segregation, and recycling, aiming for sustainable waste management practices.

7. The university will promote education, research, and innovations that support sustainable waste management.

8. PSU will encourage students, staff, and vendors to serve as models for sustainable waste management practices, extending these practices to communities, society, and the nation.

9. PSU will set measurable sustainability goals, monitor progress, and report results to ensure true sustainable development.

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