SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AT UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF POLICIES AND PRACTICES (A Case Study of Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad)

Abstract

This research examined solid waste management policies in a higher education institution and also explored individual habits and intuitive waste disposal and management practices at the university campus. The nature of the research was mixed method research, with a sample of (N= 396) selected through the Taro Yamane formula including students, faculty members, and employees. Whereas qualitative data came from in-depth interviews with the students and concerned persons dealing with solid waste at the campus. The qualitative data were further supported with field observation and analyzed through thematic analysis. The study is informed by theories of planned behavior and social capital. The findings reveal and draw attention to insufficient waste disposal points and the dissatisfaction of the students with waste disposal services provided by the university. There is no segregation of the waste at the campus due to the dearth of distinctive bins for the variety of solid waste. Most people are unaware of the importance of disposing of waste in separate bins. Food waste, however, was disposed of in open places, usually due to the cultural considerations of leftover food being left in the open to be eaten by animals roaming around campus. The findings revealed that there is no such policy of solid waste management, besides lack of awareness among respondents. Moreover, responses also show that the institutional policy on this very important aspect is either absent or not well communicated to the stakeholders such as employees, students, and residents. This study recommends awareness campaigns to sensitize students about waste management, and the formulation of strong and explicit institutional policies that can address the issue of solid waste.