Valorization of Solid Waste Recovery in an Institution of Higher Education

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges for organizations, cities and countries is waste management. Currently, 1.3 million tons of solid wastes are generated in the cities and by 2025 it is estimated that this volume will increase up to 2.2 billion tons. Considering this, it is clear that strategies for the reduction of waste generation are needed. In order to achieve this arduous and critic task changes in education, culture and public policy are required and one of the strategies that emerge as one of the most effective is the “zero waste” programs. This paper shows the foundation of a zero waste program based on previous and successful experiences in institutions of higher education. It presents the characterization and quantification of waste, as well as the valorization of it and potential environmental and economic benefits of the implementation of this kind of programs in higher education institutions. Results show that reduction and valorization of waste generation is possible in academic sectors while other outcomes emerge, such as the generation of human capital for the implementation of this kind of programs in different sectors of society and, in that way, contribute in the transition towards sustainable development.