SWU implements an integrated waste management system that supports reduction, segregation, recycling, and safe disposal of waste across its campuses in alignment with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through a combination of policies, physical infrastructure, and community-engagement projects, the University promotes waste separation at source, minimisation of plastic and paper use, safe handling of hazardous materials, and creative reuse of waste. The following initiatives illustrate the systematic implementation of these measures under SI 2.2.
Provision of various bins to effectively separate recyclable and reusable waste
SWU provides clearly labelled waste-segregation bins across campus to separate recyclable and reusable materials such as plastic, aluminium, glass, paper, and general waste. These bins are strategically located in high-traffic areas, academic buildings, and common spaces to make waste separation a convenient part of daily behaviour for students, staff, and visitors. By designing the bin system to support recycling at the point of disposal, the University strengthens its overall waste-management infrastructure and reduces the volume of mixed waste sent to landfill.
Source: https://rankings.swu.ac.th/swu-sdgs/sdg-12/1231
Programs to promote behavioral changes to reduce landfill waste
SWU runs academic-service and outreach programmes that use creative product design from waste materials to change attitudes and behaviours related to waste. The project “The Academic Service to Society Project (Saensaeb Model): Creative Product Design from Waste Materials” engages students and community members in workshops that transform discarded materials into value-added products, while raising awareness about waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable lifestyles. These activities help participants understand the environmental impacts of waste and encourage long-term behavioural change that reduces the amount of waste going to landfill. (sdg.swu.ac.th)
Source: https://sdg.swu.ac.th/projects/100976/preview
Implementation and monitoring of a paper and plastic minimization campaign
SWU has adopted a formal Policy for Minimisation of Plastic Use (12.2.5), which restricts single-use plastics and foam food containers on campus. The policy sets clear requirements for on-campus vendors to phase out plastic bags, foam packaging, plastic cups, cutlery and straws, and to replace them with reusable, paper-based, or biodegradable alternatives. Shops are encouraged to offer incentives, such as discounts for customers who bring their own containers or refillable bottles, and to actively communicate plastic-free practices. These measures constitute a university-wide plastic minimisation campaign that is implemented and monitored through vendor compliance and ongoing awareness-raising among students and staff. (rankings.swu.ac.th)
Source: https://rankings.swu.ac.th/swu-sdgs/sdg-12/1225
Management of hazardous waste in compliance with relevant regulations
Under the “SWU Zero Carbon” and “SWU Zero Waste” policy framework, SWU integrates hazardous-waste management into its broader climate and resource-efficiency agenda. The University sets annual targets to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall waste volumes, while promoting systematic waste separation, wastewater treatment and reuse, and campus-wide awareness. Within this framework, hazardous and potentially harmful materials are collected, segregated, and treated in line with environmental regulations, supported by faculty-level green-office policies that emphasise responsible use of resources and appropriate handling of hazardous waste streams. (rankings.swu.ac.th)
Source: https://rankings.swu.ac.th/swu-sdgs/sdg-12/1223
Installation of a recycling facility on campus where recycled materials are actively used (e.g., garden waste is composted and reused)
SWU also implements on-campus initiatives that function as practical recycling and reuse hubs, where waste materials are actively converted into new educational and creative resources. The project “The Academic Service Project (Saensaeb Model): Visual Arts for Creative Thinking Development” engages school students and community participants in creating visual artworks from recycled materials, thereby turning discarded items into valuable learning tools and creative products. By providing dedicated spaces, workshops, and exhibitions that use recycled materials as core inputs, the University demonstrates how campus-based facilities and programmes can support waste reduction, material reuse, and sustainable consumption patterns. (sdg.swu.ac.th)
Source: https://sdg.swu.ac.th/projects/100971/preview
