15.3.4 : Policy on plastic waste reduction
UTM Campus Sustainability Policy
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Campus Sustainability Policy establishes a clear, top-down mandate for eliminating plastic waste through its groundbreaking "No Single-Use Plastics Campus Initiative". This explicit policy is the most impactful and measurable action the university has taken to address plastic pollution at its source, demonstrating unwavering commitment to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
The policy formally dictates the "Eliminating non-biodegradable packaging of food and beverages" across the entire campus. This means an institutional ban on disposable plastic containers, cutlery, and bags used in all dining and retail operations, thereby stopping the flow of plastic waste before it is generated.
This core ban on single-use items is structurally reinforced by a broader commitment to "Minimizing waste generation and pollution through effective waste management". Additionally, the policy supports the circular economy by directing organic waste away from landfills via initiatives focused on maximizing reuse, such as the Waste-to-Wealth and Fork-to-Farm programmes.
By taking this direct, non-negotiable step to remove non-biodegradable plastics, UTM showcases its leadership in sustainability, turning its campus into a living model of responsible consumption for students, staff, and the wider Malaysian community.
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