14.4.2 Action plan to reducing plastic waste
In 2025, Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) had an action plan in place to reduce plastic waste on campus. The plan is built on University policies in force in 2025: the Policy on Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags and Prohibiting the Use of Foam Food Containers (updated on 2 December 2021), the SWU Zero Carbon and SWU Zero Waste policy, announced on 13 December 2024, and the Policy on the Prevention and Reduction of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Activities, announced on 31 March 2025, which strengthens the plan’s measures on plastic waste. Together they set out what must be done, who must do it and what the University aims to achieve. During 2025, the University carried out the action plan through three main measures: plastic-free practices among food and beverage vendors on campus, including the SWU Night Market; free drinking water refill stations that replace bottled water; and the “Bring Your Cup: Get a Free Drink 2025” campaign. The policies and the evidence of these actions are published on the University’s websites and are open to the public.
The Action Plan and Its Targets
The action plan to reduce plastic waste on campus sets the following measures for all shops and food outlets operating on University premises:
1) Reduce the use of plastic bags and stop using foam food containers and foam-based products.
2) Avoid plastic drinking cups and plastic cup carriers, and use reusable or paper cups instead.
3) Ask customers before giving out plastic cutlery and straws.
4) Promote cloth, reusable or paper bags, and allow biodegradable packaging without extra charges.
5) Offer incentives such as discounts, and encourage customers to bring their own lunch boxes and refillable bottles.
The SWU Zero Carbon and Zero Waste policy adds a measurable target for the whole University: general waste, which includes plastic waste, must fall by 10% every year. The policy also requires waste separation in all University areas and education on waste separation for students, staff, academics and businesses on campus. These targets and measures form the framework that guides each unit’s work to reduce plastic waste.
Source: https://rankings.swu.ac.th/swu-sdgs/sdg-12/1225
Source: https://sdg.swu.ac.th/policies/16
Policy on the Prevention and Reduction of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Activities
In 2025, the University strengthened the action plan with the Srinakharinwirot University Announcement on the Policy on the Prevention and Reduction of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Activities, which was signed by the President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cholvit Jearajit, and announced on 31 March B.E. 2568 (A.D. 2025). The policy follows the SWU Zero Carbon and SWU Zero Waste policies announced on 13 December 2024 and treats plastic waste as one of the main land-based pollutants that can enter drains, rivers and the sea. Section 3 commits the University to reduce single-use plastics, plastic packaging and other disposable materials across campus operations, food and beverage outlets and University activities, and to collect and segregate waste properly so that plastic litter does not enter drainage systems and waterways. Section 4 requires the separation of general, recyclable, organic and hazardous waste throughout the campuses and keeps the target of reducing general waste by at least 10% each year.
The policy also extends these requirements to contractors, cleaning and landscape maintenance providers, construction contractors, food service operators and other campus vendors through Terms of Reference and contracts, and it calls for education on waste separation and plastic reduction for students, staff, contractors and vendors. Relevant units monitor implementation through waste management records and facility inspections, take corrective measures where problems are found, and the University reviews the policy periodically and publishes it on its official website.
