Institutional Solid Waste Management Practices: Case Study of Agriculture University in Kashmir

Abstract

This study was carried on solid waste management in Sher-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology Kashmir. It is noted that the advantages in managing solid waste at institutional level such as university because of its unique characteristics also influences the waste management needs and strategies. This paper outlines findings from a yearlong study through surveys, field investigations, including on-site waste measurements and questionnaire on institutional solid waste management. It was discovered that the waste's content was primarily organic in content, suggesting a strong disposing potential in terms of organic manure or biogas production through scientific digestion and composting. The study revealed that maximum contribution to organic waste in the form of food waste was from messes of the hostels (53.32 T). That can be biodegradable managed and properly disposed, hence make a significant change in the waste management system. Hostels also generate 17.77T of plastic waste annually that needs processing through scientific recycling techniques on sustainable basis. The study found that scientific segregation of trash might significantly improve solid waste management at other universities with a comparable environment.