Policy promoting reuse and reduction of disposable items across campus operations.
Disposable Items Reduction Policy (12.2.6)
Introduction:
Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) implements a rigorous and institution-wide Disposable Items Reduction Policy, officially published through its sustainability portal, to minimize single-use materials and promote a reuse-centered culture across all campus operations. The policy sets clear, measurable standards for reducing the consumption of disposable items in dining services, administrative units, laboratories, student activities, and university events, ensuring a systematic transition toward environmentally responsible practices.
In alignment with SDG 12.5 – Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, this policy supports national sustainability frameworks including Jordan’s National Green Economy Strategy and the Waste Management Framework Law No. 16 (2020). It mandates the replacement of short-life and single-use items—such as plastic cutlery, cups, packaging, laboratory disposables, and office consumables—with reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable alternatives whenever feasible.
AAU’s approach is fully evidence-based and integrated into its broader sustainability governance system. The policy operates in coordination with the Plastic and Disposable Item Minimisation Policy, the Recycled Waste Management and Measurement Policy, and the Waste Generation and Recycling Measurement Procedure, forming a unified circular-economy framework that prevents waste at the source and maximizes resource recovery. Monitoring and compliance are overseen through digital reporting tools managed by the Sustainability and International Ranking Center (SIRC), supported by routine supplier audits and departmental evaluations.
To drive behavioral change, AAU implements campus-wide awareness programs, student-led initiatives, staff training, and procurement requirements that prioritize low-waste alternatives. Supplier contracts include sustainability clauses that restrict unnecessary disposable items and promote reused materials. Through these coordinated actions, the university is progressing toward its strategic target of achieving a 70% reduction in disposable material usage by 2028, positioning AAU as a national leader in sustainable consumption and waste prevention in the higher education sector.
Centers and Departments:
Activities:
Impact Evaluation & Development Plan
A. Performance Evaluation
- Disposable-item usage decreased by 48 % (2022 → 2025) following cafeteria and office reforms.
- Procurement auditsshow 85 % supplier compliance with the Disposable Items Reduction Policy.
- The “Reusable Campus Program” achieved university-wide adoption and high participation rates among students and staff by 2025.
- Continuous awareness activities have fostered a long-term behavioral shift toward reuse culture.
B. Development Actions
Action 1: Zero Disposable Campus by 2028, Complete elimination of single-use cups, plates, and bags from all facilities, to be Verified annually in sustainability reports.
Action 2: Reusable Incentive Program (2025 – 2028) Introduce discounts and recognition for students using personal reusable items, 60 % participation by 2026.
Action 3: Smart Consumption Dashboard (2025 – 2028Integrate AI tracking for disposable- item data analytics, Dashboard live by 2026.
Action 4: Supplier Green Compliance Audits (2025 – 2028) Annual sustainability scoring for all procurement vendors, 100 % supplier coverage by 2027.
Action 5: Student Innovation Fund for Reusables (2025 – 2028), Finance 10 student projects yearly developing reusable product ideas, 50 projects funded by 2028.
C. Benchmarking & Best Practice
AAU benchmarks against University of Melbourne, University of Cambridge, and KAUST, leading institutions in disposable-item elimination.
Best practices adopted:
- Lifecycleassessment (LCA) for
- Suppliersustainability
- Incentive-basedbehavioral change
- AAU’spractices are harmonized with Jordan’s National Waste Management Strategy 2020–2030.
Future Goal (2028):
Establish the AAU Reuse & Circular Innovation Hub to develop regional guidelines for reusable systems in universities.
Institutional Integration Summary
The Sustainability and International Ranking Center (SIRC) leads the coordination and verification of disposable-item reduction across all units.
Operational management is handled by the Facilities Department, Supplies Department, and Faculty of Hospitality, with digital tracking support from HEC.
Quarterly data are submitted to SIRC for validation and published in the Annual Sustainability Report, ensuring transparency and evidence-based governance.
This framework embeds a culture of reuse and responsible consumption throughout academic and operational functions, achieving measurable alignment with SDG 12.5 while contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Through this integrated system, AAU positions itself as a regional leader in sustainable resource use and circular-economy transformation.
