Since 2011, Thammasat University has introduced various announcements, policies, and initiatives to reduce disposable items as part of its Thammasat Zero Waste Policy. In 2019, the university unified and updated these efforts through the 2019 Policy on Solid Waste Management, which comprehensively addresses all aspects of waste management.

In 2024, the Policy on Solid Waste Management was further updated to emphasize reducing all types of single-use plastics and improving the collection, tracking, and disposal of these materials to mitigate environmental risks, in alignment with guidelines from the Pollution Control Department. This policy ensures proper, systematic, and effective waste management across the university. All university units are required to adopt a 7R strategy to minimize disposable items.

• Refuse unnecessary products and packaging to prevent waste from the outset;
• Reduce consumption by using only what is essential;
• Reuse items multiple times, such as bags and containers;
• Recycle materials properly to ensure they are processed correctly;
• Repair broken items instead of discarding them to extend their lifespan;
• Replenish natural resources by choosing eco-friendly products; and
• Rethink consumption and waste management to foster a culture of sustainability.

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Type of Disposable Items

The policy clearly encourages the minimisation of disposable items, as stated in item (5), specifying types of disposable items which include “plastic bags, food-grade plastic bags, plastic cups, plastic bottles, plastic straws, and plastic utensils” to minimize single-use disposable waste or reuse items until the end of their lifecycle, replace them with eco-friendly products.

Specific Policy Reinforcements

• Item (6) encourages students, staffs, and vendors to reduce disposable items by using reusable containers in canteens, coffee shops, and other beverage establishments under the university’s jurisdiction.
• item (7) specify all flea markets located in common areas or organized by any departments to be responsible for minimizing the use of disposable items and utilize eco-friendly packaging.

The University will lead awareness campaigns to inspire students, staff, and the local community to reduce disposable items and take part in sustainable waste management. These efforts aim to minimize the use of disposable items and increase understanding of the waste management process and guidelines and adhere to “Thammasat University’s No Single-Use Plastic” measures.

Reference:  Policy of No Single-Use Plastic

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