Waste Management

Performance in 2022-23 against 2016-17

At Hong Kong Baptist University, we take waste management and sustainability seriously. We are committed to tracking and reducing waste across our campuses to create a cleaner and greener environment. Our range of waste management initiatives aim to minimise our environmental footprint and educate our community about the importance of responsible waste disposal.

We adopt a waste management hierarchy which emphasises the ‘6Rs’ principle; Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycle. Reducing waste at the source is a top priority.

Waste Tracking

We have implemented comprehensive waste tracking systems to measure and monitor the amount of waste generated within our university. This includes tracking both food waste and general waste.

By accurately measuring and recording the waste generated and recyclables collected on our campuses, we can closely monitor our waste management efforts. Regular waste audits allow us to analyse the waste generated and collaborate with downstream recyclers to study recycling trends and behaviours among the university community. This data-driven approach helps us identify areas for improvement and implement targeted waste reduction strategies.

Food Waste Management

To tackle food waste, we closely monitor the amount of food waste generated from the food served within the university. This waste is collected and further recycled through waste-to-energy treatment. By accounting for the weight of food waste on a regular basis and providing a monthly food waste collection summary, we ensure transparency and accountability. In addition, we conduct awareness campaigns and educational workshops to promote mindful consumption and reduce food waste at its source.

Plastic Minimisation

We are proud of our efforts to minimise the usage of plastic and disposable items while promoting sustainable and responsible consumption. Our Waste Management Policy reflects our commitment to waste reduction, including minimising the single-use of disposal materials, products, and plastics. We have implemented a set of Green Event Regulations to minimise single-use disposable waste and encourage energy and resource conservation during university events. Our successful No Straw University campaign has demonstrated the effectiveness of our initiatives. Additionally, we actively promote the use of reusable water bottles and provide water refill stations across campus to reduce plastic bottle waste. We also collaborate with suppliers to source eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics. View HKBU Water Map.

Hazardous Waste

The management and disposal of hazardous substances are prioritised at Hong Kong Baptist University. We have implemented the online Dangerous Goods Management System (DGMS) to regulate the usage of chemicals and dangerous goods on campus. Our commitment to proper disposal of hazardous and clinical materials is outlined in our Waste Management Policy. Additionally, we provide guidelines for laboratory safety to minimise or eliminate hazards in laboratories. Our Hazardous Waste Disposal Program ensures the safe collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste generated within the university. We conduct regular training sessions for staff and students to raise awareness about the proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Find out more about our laboratory safety guidelines. 

Recycling

As part of our commitment to reducing resource consumption and waste generation, we have implemented several pilot initiatives to encourage sustainable behaviours. We treat municipal solid waste and recyclables separately by providing various recycling facilities on campus. Our recycling program includes paper, plastic, glass, and metal recycling, with dedicated collection points throughout the university. We also collaborate with local recycling partners to ensure the proper processing and recycling of collected materials.