Integrated solid waste management for closed community: an experiment on university campus

Abstract

This study addresses challenges regarding integrated solid waste management (ISWM) faced by Jahangirnagar University. These challenges have resulted in negative social, environmental, and economic consequences. This study aims to identify barriers to community engagement in ISWM and provide actionable recommendations for improvement. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, involving surveys of 397 respondents selected through cluster random sampling from the university’s population of around 20,000. The findings underscore a range of impediments to community participation, including limited empowerment, mobilisation, organisation and resource coordination within the community. Alarmingly, only 30% of respondents practice household waste segregation. However, an encouraging 74% express their willingness to oversee door-to-door waste collection and ensure proper disposal at designated locations, with this inclination influenced by various socioeconomic factors. Notably, non-compliance with ISWM regulations is prevalent in 26% of respondents, while 12% exhibit a dearth of knowledge about ISWM, indicating a need for heightened organisational efforts. Furthermore, certain university authorities rely on outdated methods, resulting in weak enforcement of environmental regulations. The study proposes a collaborative approach between university authorities and the community, along with revised regulations and waste generator responsibility. Addressing these challenges has the potential to significantly improve waste management system at Jahangirnagar University (JU Campus).