Public and private higher educational institutions (HEIs) are vital components in the development of any nation. They can be considered as small communities that have significant impact on its surrounding areas.

 

On the other hand, the concept of sustainability has been gaining importance on a worldwide scale due to increasing environmental concerns from various concerned people from all walks of life. Even in HEIs, the concept of sustainable development has captured the interest of its various stakeholders and as such, a wide range of endeavors related to it have been implemented in various countries throughout the world.

 

A sustainable solid waste management (SWM) program is one of the measures of a successful HEI in the Philippine educational landscape.  This undeniable fact is proven by the many initiatives being implemented along this line. However, managing functional and efficient SWM programs in HEIs are perennially confronted with various challenges and problems.

 

This paper explores several studies on SWM in HEIs particularly to identify the various problems and issues arising from its day-to-day operations and explores the myriad of issues of the various types of waste with the end view of promoting awareness, education, and its proper disposal. It also outlines the negative effects of its improper disposal, both in the short and long-term scenarios as well as policy recommendations to implement a functional SWM system in HEIs.

Ultimately, this paper presents a conceptual discussion of sustainable development in HEIs within the context of SWM. Various studies on practices and programs related to sustainable SWM in HEIs were reviewed to come up with common best practices in its effective and efficient implementation. It is in this line that this paper aims to inspire other HEIs not only in the Philippines, but also in ASEAN countries to implement significant SWM programs for their sustainable development.

 

Keywords: Solid waste management, Sustainable development, State universities, Higher education institutions, E-waste, Liquid waste, Food waste