A Case Study on Campus Plastic Waste: An Audit and Strategic Reduction Plan

Abstract

This case study presents an audit and strategic reduction plan for plastic waste within a university campus, addressing the growing global concern of plastic pollution in localized settings. The purpose of this study was to quantify the campus\'s plastic waste generation, identify key sources, and develop a targeted strategy to reduce its environmental impact. The methodology involved a comprehensive, week-long waste audit conducted across major campus facilities, including academic buildings, dormitories, and dining halls. The audit characterized the volume and type of plastic waste generated, revealing that single-use plastics from food packaging and bottled beverages constituted the largest portion of the waste stream. Data analysis highlighted significant opportunities for reduction and improved waste management practices. Based on the audit\'s findings, a strategic, multi-pronged reduction plan was developed. Key initiatives include the implementation of a single-use plastic ban, expansion of recycling infrastructure, and the launch of a campus-wide educational campaign focused on sustainable consumption behaviours. The plan\'s effectiveness will be measured through future waste audits and key performance indicators. This study demonstrates the value of data-driven waste management strategies for educational institutions. The findings and strategic plan provide a replicable model for other campuses seeking to mitigate their environmental footprint and foster a culture of sustainability among students and staff.

Introduction

The global plastic pollution crisis is exacerbated by large institutions—including educational campuses—that generate significant plastic waste. Universities, with their influence and scale, have a critical role in promoting sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.

Study Purpose and Scope:

• Purpose: To conduct a quantitative audit of plastic waste on a specific university campus and develop and evaluate a strategic plan for its reduction.

• Scope: The study focuses on selected campus areas (e.g., dorms, dining halls) over a defined timeframe.

Literature Review Highlights:

• Reviews prior research on campus waste audits and management strategies.

• Identifies a gap: this study focuses specifically on plastic waste using a tailored methodology.

• Introduces theoretical frameworks like the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy concepts.

Waste Reduction Framework (Flowchart Summary):

Phase 1: Planning

• Form audit team, define objectives, choose campus areas, gather tools, and recruit volunteers.

Phase 2: Execution

• Collect and sort campus plastic waste by type (e.g., PET, plastic film).

• Weigh, record, and analyze the data to identify dominant waste sources.

Phase 3: Strategy Development

• Set SMART goals for reduction.

• Brainstorm and select interventions (e.g., bans on single-use plastics, infrastructure upgrades).

• Create a detailed action plan.

Phase 4: Implementation & Evaluation

• Implement strategies (e.g., awareness campaigns, water stations).

• Monitor progress, conduct follow-up audits, and report results.

Phase 5: Continuous Improvement

• Collect feedback, refine strategies, and maintain engagement to build a sustainable campus culture.

Methodology Overview:

• Planning: Form team, define scope and goals, recruit volunteers.

• Execution: Conduct a detailed audit by sorting, weighing, and categorizing plastic waste.

• Data Analysis: Use statistical methods to identify key waste sources and trends.

• Intervention Design: Develop targeted strategies informed by the audit findings.

Results & Discussion:

• Findings: Quantitative data on types and sources of plastic waste.

• Implementation: Overview of reduction strategies applied.

• Effectiveness: Comparison of pre- and post-intervention waste data to assess impact.

• Challenges: Implementation issues and the solutions used to overcome them.

Conclusion

1) Summarize key findings: Restate the main results of the audit and the effectiveness of the reduction strategies. 2) Reiterate implications: Discuss the broader implications of the study for other educational institutions, emphasizing that similar methods can be replicated to improve waste management practices. 3) Suggest future research: Provide recommendations for further studies, such as investigating long-term sustainability or the effectiveness of specific interventions.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Subamathi. P, Mrs. Poornima. K, Ms. Mythili. D, Dr. Kumaragurubaran. N. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.