Waste Management | Yıldız Teknik Üniversitesi

We Reduce Waste Generation

The First University to Receive a "Zero Waste Certificate" in Istanbul

Rapid population growth, environmental pollution caused by increasing demands and lack of resources are among the most important problems of the age we are in... With this awareness, Yıldız Technical University takes many steps supported by R&D studies in order to bring waste to the circular economy. Zero Waste application was initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization in order to prevent waste in Turkey, to use natural resources more efficiently, to reduce the amount of waste formation and to improve the separation of wastes at source. Based on this practice and for a greener, cleaner campus, many strategies have been created, including effective management of Yıldız Technical University waste, reducing waste generation and separating it at source. Yıldız Technical University, which has been a part of the Zero Waste project since 2018, established the Zero Waste Management System at Davutpaşa Campus and became the first state university in Istanbul to be entitled to receive the "Zero Waste Certificate".

How Does YTU Manage Its Waste?

Accepting the waste management hierarchy as a guide, YTU has implemented many practices to prevent waste generation, especially the use of paper, with the aim of reducing waste. With all official correspondence carried out through the Electronic Document Management System (EBYS), the University saves both stationery costs and waste generation and ensures that correspondence is archived in a healthy way.

Effective and Fast System in the Management of Solid Wastes

Within the scope of the activities carried out by the student clubs, it is ensured that the reuse and recycling of waste is supported. In this context, used books are sent to those in need, plastic covers are collected to support the production of electric chairs for disabled individuals, and food waste generated on campus is used to feed animals... At Yıldız Technical University Davutpaşa Campus, waste containers and special purpose containers are designed to help students, staff and guests to sort waste efficiently and simply. Thanks to the containers placed in the corridors of the faculties, wastes such as recyclable paper, metal and glass are separated without contamination with each other with the separation system at source. The waste oils generated in the cafeterias and cafeterias on campus that serve food are collected in sealed containers and delivered to authorized companies at regular intervals.

Medical and Dangerous Wastes

Similarly, hazardous wastes are handled in seven different types: solid-liquid laboratory wastes, fluorescent lamps, battery accumulators, cartridge-toners, used membrane filters, contaminated packaging and waste drugs. These hazardous wastes are collected in special boxes. Expired electronic devices and batteries containing heavy metals are collected separately from household waste and collected In electronic waste and battery separation containers placed at the most frequently used points, especially at the entrances of the buildings, . Materials containing hazardous materials such as laboratory wastes, used cartridges and fluorescent lamps are collected by the personnel responsible for the replacement of the relevant materials and stored in a special area.

Waste mask and glove boxes were placed at various points in order not to throw away the masks and gloves, which have been made mandatory due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, with household waste. These wastes are also collected together with medical wastes.

Organic Wastes Are Composted

What compost was, was not known until a short time ago. However, this recycling method, which is the subject of even cartoons, is a very useful method, especially ensuring that food residues do not go to waste. At YTU, the twigs and twigs wastes generated during the landscaping of the open areas of the campus and the organic wastes generated during the preparation of meals in the cafeteria are composted in a compost machine located on the campus. This ensures that many wastes, from batteries to paper, from tomatoes to eggs, are correctly recycled on campus.

Cooperation in Waste Management

The 5th Eurasian Waste Management Symposium, which provides a comprehensive overview of effective waste management strategies in Asian and European regions, was organized in cooperation with YTU and İSTAÇ. The symposium covers studies on all areas of waste management such as legislation, transport, treatment, recycling and reuse focuses for hazardous, medical and other types of waste. In partnership with YTU and De Montfort University, led by faculty member Prof. Dr.Eyüp Debik and his team, the “UK-Turkey Capacity Building for Wastewater Treatment Integrated with Renewable Energy and Safer Reuse for Sustainable Communities” project was entitled to be supported by the Newton Fund. Environment and sustainability focused student clubs are actively operating within YTU. Waste food, plastic and paper are regularly collected within the framework of the “Star Transforms” project, which was initiated with the cooperation of Animal Rights, Social Responsibility, Economy and Environment Clubs. Waste food suitable for the health of the animals is collected and given to the dogs in Davutpaşa Campus. In addition, the collected plastic bottles and paper wastes are taken from YTU every day by the Esenler Municipality waste vehicle for recycling.

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