IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v17y2025i14p6377-d1699912.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Fostering a Sustainable Campus: A Successful Selective Waste Collection Initiative in a Brazilian University

Author

Listed:
  • Geovana Dagostim Savi-Bortolotto

    (Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Ana Carolina Pescador

    (Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Tiago Bortolotto

    (Center of Sciences, Technologies, and Health (CTS), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Camila Garbin Sandi

    (Administrative Directorate (DA/ARA), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Alícia Viana de Oliveira

    (Department of Physiotherapy (DFT), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Matheus Rodrigues Pereira Mendes

    (Department of Medical Sciences (DCM), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Kátia Cilene Rodrigues Madruga

    (Department of Energy and Sustainability (EES), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

  • Afonso Henrique da Silva Júnior

    (Department of Energy and Sustainability (EES), Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Rod. Governador Jorge Lacerda, 3201, Jardim das Avenidas, Araranguá 88906-072, SC, Brazil)

Abstract

This study reports a successful selective waste collection initiative led by UFSC’s Araranguá campus in a municipality without a recycling system. The initiative, named “Recicla UFSC Ara”, was structured around three main components: (i) the installation of color-coded bins for recyclable waste (including paper, plastic, metals, and polystyrene) and non-recyclable waste in indoor and common areas; (ii) the establishment of a Voluntary Delivery Point (PEV) to gather specific recyclable materials, such as glass, electronics waste, plastic bottles, writing instruments, and bottle caps; and (iii) the execution of periodic educational community-focused campaigns aimed at encouraging participation from both the university and the broader local community. Recyclables were manually sorted and weighed during regular collection rounds, and contamination rates were calculated. Quantitative data collected from 2022 to 2025 were analyzed using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA to assess waste generation and contamination trends. Gathered recyclables were directed to appropriate partner institutions, including local “Ecoponto”, non-profit organizations, and corporate recycling programs. The study also conducted a literature review of similar university-led waste management programs to identify standard practices and regional specificities, providing a comparative analysis that highlights both shared elements and distinctive contributions of the UFSC model. Results demonstrate a significant volume of waste diverted from landfills and a gradual improvement in waste disposal practices among the university community. Targeted communication and operational changes mitigated key challenges, improper disposal, and logistical issues. This case underscores the role of universities as agents of environmental education and local sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Geovana Dagostim Savi-Bortolotto & Ana Carolina Pescador & Tiago Bortolotto & Camila Garbin Sandi & Alícia Viana de Oliveira & Matheus Rodrigues Pereira Mendes & Kátia Cilene Rodrigues Madruga & Afons, 2025. "Fostering a Sustainable Campus: A Successful Selective Waste Collection Initiative in a Brazilian University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6377-:d:1699912
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/14/6377/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/14/6377/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Amit Kumar Jaglan & Venkata Ravi Sankar Cheela & Mansi Vinaik & Brajesh Dubey, 2022. "Environmental Impact Evaluation of University Integrated Waste Management System in India Using Life Cycle Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-18, July.
    2. Silvia Di Salvatore & Giacomo Magatti & Maurizio Acciarri & Massimiliano Rossetti & Leonor Pereira da Costa & Inês Ribeiro, 2022. "Solid Waste Management Approach at the University through Living Labs and Communication Strategies: Case Studies in Italy and Portugal," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-13, April.
    3. Walter Leal Filho & Valeria Ruiz Vargas & Amanda Lange Salvia & Luciana Londero Brandli & Eric Pallant & Maris Klavins & Subhasis Ray & Sara Moggi & Marija Maruna & Elisa Conticelli & Martin Ayanore &, 2019. "The role of higher education institutions in sustainability initiatives at the local level," Post-Print hal-02559727, HAL.
    4. Walter Filho Leal & Valeria Ruiz Vargas & Salvia Amanda Lange & Luciana Londero Brandli & Eric Pallant & Maris Klavins & Subhasis Ray & Sara Moggi & Marija Maruna & Elisa Conticelli & Martin Amogre Ay, 2019. "The role of higher education institutions in sustainability initiatives at the local level," Post-Print hal-02266237, HAL.
    5. Dongxu Qu & Tetiana Shevchenko & Zahra Shams Esfandabadi & Meisam Ranjbari, 2023. "College Students’ Attitude towards Waste Separation and Recovery on Campus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-17, January.
    6. Olimpia Smaranda Mintaș & Daniela Camelia Marele & Alina Stefania Stanciu & Adrian Gheorghe Osiceanu & Alina Stanca Osiceanu & Horia Pop & Teodor Rusu, 2025. "Sustainability of the Integrated Waste Management System: A Case Study of Bihor County, Romania," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-35, March.
    7. Alexandro Barbosa & Tadeu Junior de Castro Gonçalves & Pedro Simões, 2025. "Improving Municipal Solid Waste Services: Insights into Efficiency, Productivity, and Recycling in Brazil," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-24, March.
    8. Barros, Regina Mambeli & Filho, Geraldo Lúcio Tiago & Moura, Juliana Sales & Pieroni, Marcela Fernandes & Vieira, Fernanda César & Lage, Lívia Ramos & Mohr, Guilherme Samprogna & Bastos, Adriano Silva, 2013. "Design and implementation study of a Permanent Selective Collection Program (PSCP) on a University campus in Brazil," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 80(C), pages 97-106.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Ana Pellín Carcelén & Nuria Cuevas Monzonís & Ana Rodríguez Martín & Vicente Gabarda Méndez, 2021. "Promotion of Environmental Education in the Spanish Compulsory Education Curriculum. A Normative Analysis and Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Issa Ibrahim Berchin & Ana Regina de Aguiar Dutra & José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra, 2021. "How do higher education institutions promote sustainable development? A literature review," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 29(6), pages 1204-1222, November.
    3. Ya-Ching Chang & Hsing-Lung Lien, 2020. "Mapping Course Sustainability by Embedding the SDGs Inventory into the University Curriculum: A Case Study from National University of Kaohsiung in Taiwan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-21, May.
    4. Chieh-Hsin Tang, 2023. "Constructing Operational Methods for the Continuous Development of Design Concepts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-17, May.
    5. Freddy Marín-González & Sharmila Rani Moganadas & Ana Judith Paredes-Chacín & Sook Fern Yeo & Subhacini Subramaniam, 2022. "Sustainable Local Development: Consolidated Framework for Cross-Sectoral Cooperation via a Systematic Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-33, May.
    6. Khaula Alkaabi & Kashif Mehmood & Parama Bhatacharyya & Hassa Aldhaheri, 2023. "Sustainable Development Goals from Theory to Practice Using Spatial Data Infrastructure: A Case Study of UAEU Undergraduate Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-27, August.
    7. Maria Adamakou & Spyros Niavis & Dimitris Kallioras & George Petrakos, 2021. "Understanding the Regional Engagement of Universities from a Stakeholders’ Perspective: The Case of the University of Thessaly, Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-14, September.
    8. Gaea Morales & Erin Bromaghim & Angela Kim & Caroline Diamond & Alejo Maggini & Avery Everhart & Sofia Gruskin & Anthony Tirado Chase, 2021. "Classroom Walls and City Hall: Mobilizing Local Partnerships to Advance the Sustainable Development Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-9, May.
    9. Sharma, Nitika & Paço, Arminda & Upadhyay, Deepika, 2023. "Option or necessity: Role of environmental education as transformative change agent," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    10. Daniel A. Salas & Paulina Criollo & Angel D. Ramirez, 2021. "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in the Implementation of Circular Economy in Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-27, August.
    11. Zhe Cheng & Tong Xiao & Chen Chen & Xiong Xiong, 2022. "Evaluation of Scientific Research in Universities Based on the Idea of Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    12. Nikša Alfirević & Lena Malešević Perović & Maja Mihaljević Kosor, 2023. "Productivity and Impact of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-Related Academic Research: A Bibliometric Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-17, April.
    13. Ashpreet Kaur & Krista L. Thyberg & David J. Tonjes, 2025. "Zero-Waste Program Success: A Systems Approach to Indicators at the Micro, Meso, and Macro Levels," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-24, April.
    14. Walter Leal Filho & João Henrique Paulino Pires Eustachio & Adriana Cristina Ferreira Caldana & Markus Will & Amanda Lange Salvia & Izabela S. Rampasso & Rosley Anholon & Johannes Platje & Marina Kova, 2020. "Sustainability Leadership in Higher Education Institutions: An Overview of Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-19, May.
    15. Sharmila Rani Moganadas & Shwu Huey Nun & Subhacini Subramaniam & Ainee Suriani Bahaman, 2022. "Perspectives of academic staff concerning the sustainable development dimensions of a Malaysian higher education institution," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(12), pages 13817-13840, December.
    16. Amila Omazic & Bernd Markus Zunk, 2021. "Semi-Systematic Literature Review on Sustainability and Sustainable Development in Higher Education Institutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-45, July.
    17. Yaser Mohammadi & Feyzallah Monavvarifard & Laleh Salehi & Reza Movahedi & Saeid Karimi & Genovaitė Liobikienė, 2023. "Explaining the Sustainability of Universities through the Contribution of Students’ Pro-Environmental Behavior and the Management System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-23, January.
    18. Marija Maruna, 2019. "Toward the Integration of SDGs in Higher Planning Education: Insights from Integrated Urbanism Study Program in Belgrade," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-17, August.
    19. Stephen Oladipo & Yanxia Sun & Abraham Amole, 2022. "Performance Evaluation of the Impact of Clustering Methods and Parameters on Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Models for Electricity Consumption Prediction during COVID-19," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-20, October.
    20. Uvin Eksith Senadheera & Jasintha Jayasanka & Dhanushka Udayanga & Choolaka Hewawasam & Buddhika Amila & Yuya Takimoto & Masashi Hatamoto & Nakayama Tadachika, 2024. "Beyond Composting Basics: A Sustainable Development Goals—Oriented Strategic Guidance to IoT Integration for Composting in Modern Urban Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-28, November.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6377-:d:1699912. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.