Highlights
- Thammasat University’s 2019 Solid Waste Management Policy engages all stakeholders, including students, staff, and suppliers, in sustainability efforts.
- Canteens and flea markets on campus are mandated to sort waste and reduce single-use plastics, extending waste minimization practices to all service providers.
- Service contracts include stipulations for using environmentally friendly products and proper waste management, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainability.
In 2019, Thammasat University implemented a Policy on Solid Waste Management aimed at advancing its commitment to sustainability. This policy encompasses all university stakeholders, including students, staff, store owners, suppliers of equipment, stationary, building cleaning contracts as well as any individuals who perform activities related to waste creation in the university area. In 2024, the Policy on Solid Waste Management was further updated to emphasize the reduction of all types of single-use plastics, the collection, tracking, and disposal of these materials to mitigate environmental risks, in alignment with guidelines from the Pollution Control Department.
4.-Policy-on-Solid-Waste-ManagementWaste Tracking and Data Collection
A key component of this policy is the tracking of waste generation across various buildings, departments, and events throughout the academic year. This data collection helps identify patterns and informs future waste management strategies. Notably, the policy explicitly extends waste minimization measures to suppliers and outsourced services.
Specific Policy Requirements
Key items in the policy highlight how waste minimization principles are enforced across the university’s supply chain:
- Item 6: Canteens, restaurants, coffee shops, and other beverage establishments under the University’s jurisdiction must eliminate the use of single-use plastics and are required to sort waste. Promotions for using the reusable containers are encouraged. In the absence of a customer-provided container, biodegradable containers and packaging shall be supplied by the vendor.
- Item 7: All flea markets, whether located in common areas or organized by specific departments, must implement waste sorting measures, reduce or eliminate single-use plastics, and utilize eco-friendly packaging.
- Item 9: In any procurement or service contract selection process, the University shall consider the waste management policies of potential partners to ensure alignment with the University’s solid waste management objectives.
Procurement and Contractual Compliance
Supporting evidence of the implementation of these policies can be found in a 2020 contract between Thammasat University and a private service provider for the Faculty of Medical Science. As detailed in the contract, the company is mandated to use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions, which must be approved by a university committee. Additionally, the service provider is required to adhere to recognized pollution control standards throughout the contract duration.
Contract-for-cleaning-services-and-maintenance-of-public-utility-systems-in-the-Health-Science-Building-Complex-and-LibraryContract for cleaning services and maintenance of public utility systems in the Health Science Building Complex and Library. See the red boxes.
Furthermore, the company must ensure the proper transportation of waste from university facilities to designated waste management sites, with an obligation to classify and manage the waste appropriately.
Contract-for-cleaning-services-and-maintenanceContract for cleaning services and maintenance of public utility systems in the Social Science Building Complex, the Property and Sports Management Office, and common areas at Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus. See the red boxes.
Similar requirements apply to other contracts, including those for common area maintenance at Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus, reinforcing the university’s commitment to extending its waste minimization policies to all suppliers and outsourced services.
