Policy to measure waste generation, recycling rates, and landfill reduction.
Waste Measurement & Recycling Policy (12.2.4)
Introduction:
Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) implements a comprehensive and institution-wide Waste Measurement and Recycling Policy, publicly published through its sustainability portal, to ensure accurate measurement, reduction, and recycling of all waste streams generated across the university. The policy establishes a unified framework for monitoring solid, paper, plastic, organic, metallic, and electronic waste using standardized procedures and digital data systems managed by the Sustainability and International Ranking Center (SIRC).
AAU’s waste management system is fully data-driven, enabling continuous monitoring, monthly waste audits, and annual reporting to track trends, evaluate progress, and identify reduction opportunities. The procedures governing waste operations—including the Waste Generation and Recycling Measurement Procedure, Recycled Waste Management Policy, and the Plastic and Disposable Item Minimization Policy; ensure consistent application across all faculties, laboratories, dormitories, cafeterias, and administrative offices.
This policy aims to substantially reduce the university’s total waste generation by emphasizing waste prevention, segregation at source, recycling efficiency, and resource recovery, in alignment with SDG 12.5. Strategic initiatives include reducing single-use items, expanding recycling stations, implementing composting for organic waste, and enhancing partnerships with certified recycling companies to ensure responsible processing of recyclable and electronic waste.
AAU’s commitment extends beyond operations to encompass academic engagement and community participation. Sustainability awareness campaigns, student-led recycling initiatives, and integration of waste management concepts into academic activities reinforce a circular-economy model that transforms waste into a resource and strengthens sustainable behavior across campus.
Through these structured and measurable actions, AAU advances SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and indirectly supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing environmental burdens, SDG 13 (Climate Action) by minimizing emissions associated with waste disposal, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with national recycling stakeholders.
This comprehensive and evidence-backed approach positions AAU as a leading institution in Jordan and the region in sustainable waste management and circular-economy practices.
Centers and Departments:
Activities:
Impact Evaluation & Development Plan
A. Performance Evaluation
- AAU has established a digital waste-measurement framework that records all waste types and recycling volumes monthly.
- Recycling rates improved by 41 % between 2022 and 2025, and landfill disposal decreased by 33 % due to waste segregation and reuse initiatives.
- Full enforcement of Recycled Waste Management and Measurement Policy and Plastic Minimization Policy has standardized sustainability reporting across all
- Student driven campaigns and staff engagement programs have significantly enhanced waste-reduction behavior and sustainability culture.
B. Development Actions
Action 1: Zero Waste Campus Initiative (Phase II) (2025 – 2028), Expand smart recycling infrastructure and achieve 90 % recycling by 2028, to Verified annually in Sustainability Report.
Action 2: Waste Data Automation System (2025 – 2028) Integrate sensors and QR-tracking for real-time measurement of waste streams, By System live by 2026.
Action 3: Sustainable Procurement Portal (2025 – 2028) Track packaging waste from suppliers and promote circular-supply chains, 100 % supplier inclusion by 2027.
Action 4: Community Recycling Partnership (2025 – 2028), Partner with local municipalities to share best practices and recycling data, Two MoUs per year.
Action 5: Green Innovation Challenge (2025 – 2028), Annual competition for student projects on waste-reduction technologies, 10 projects awarded each year.
C. Benchmarking & Best Practice
AAU benchmarks against University of Melbourne, University of Cambridge, and KAUST, recognized for advanced recycling and data transparency.
Adopted best practices include:
- Life-cycleassessment (LCA) of
- Data-drivenmonitoring of waste and recycling
- Annualpublic disclosure of sustainability
AAU aligns its practices with Jordan’s National Green Economy Strategy and Waste Management Framework Law No. 16 (2020) for full national compliance.
Future Goal (2028):
Establish the AAU Circular Waste Observatory, publishing analytics on waste generation, recycling performance, and landfill reduction across higher-education institutions in Jordan.
Institutional Integration Summary
Waste measurement and recycling operations are centrally governed by SIRC, with technical execution by the Facilities Department and data validation by the Environmental Sustainability Committee.
Each department submits monthly waste reports that are verified and consolidated into the AAU Sustainability Dashboard and Annual Sustainability Report.
This governance ensures that waste management is data-verified, transparent, and AI- auditable, meeting all THE Impact Ranking evaluation dimensions—policy existence, implementation, monitoring, and public communication.
By institutionalizing this circular-economy model, AAU actively advances SDG 12, while supporting SDG 11, SDG 13, and SDG 17, demonstrating measurable leadership in responsible consumption and production within higher education.
