Hitit University sets example for Türkiye with zero waste initiative
Hitit University’s Zero Waste Project recycle 73 tons of waste, saved 18.5 million cubic meters of water, and preserved 1,000 trees. (IHA Photo)
Türkiye’s Hitit University launched the “Zero Waste” project, recycling 73 tons of waste to ensure the cleanliness of 18.5 million cubic meters of water.
The university initiated this project to conserve resources and instill environmental awareness. The university’s zero-waste management efforts collected 23 tons of hazardous waste and 50 tons of recyclable waste. This initiative not only kept 18.5 million cubic meters of water clean but also saved 80 tons of fuel.
Additionally, the efforts prevented the cutting down of 1,000 trees, each with a lifespan of 30 years.
The Waste Management Coordination Office initiated these activities across the university’s 19 subunits. From 2016 to 2023, the university collected and recycled approximately 23 tons of hazardous waste and 50 tons of recyclable waste using consistent waste management practices.
The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change approved licensed disposal companies after sorting hazardous wastes according to waste codes. For non-hazardous recyclable wastes, Hitit University collaborated with the Corum Municipality to ensure proper delivery to recycling facilities.
19 units receive ‘basic level zero waste certificate’
In 2020, the Waste Management Coordination Office launched a new initiative under the Zero Waste Regulation, resulting in 19 units receiving the “basic level zero waste Certificate.”
This certification affirmed the comprehensive application of zero-waste management across the entire university. As part of their ongoing zero waste efforts, Hitit University organized training sessions on “environment and waste management” and “zero waste,” attended by approximately 1,500 staff and 3,000 students.
Additionally, 60 mothers participated in the “Mother University” training sessions, part of the university’s social responsibility projects.
Hitit University was ranked 248th in the world and 18th in Türkiye in the 2023 GreenMetric ranking, which evaluates higher education institutions based on energy and climate change, waste management, water resources, transportation, and related education and research categories.
The UI GreenMetric World University Rankings included a total of 1,183 universities worldwide, with 98 from Türkiye.
Hitit University shares its zero-waste management experiences with partners. At the UI Green Metric Türkiye National Workshop, Waste Management Coordinator professor Dr. Dursun Ali Kose presented the university’s zero waste practices and planned initiatives, sharing best practice examples with other universities.
