MU Strategy for Sustainable Waste Management and Waste Prevention 2023-2028

The theoretical basis of the MU Strategy for Sustainable Waste Management and Waste Prevention is the concept of "zero waste". In accordance with this concept, Masaryk University will strive for the most effective waste prevention, reuse, maximum waste sorting and recycling, other ways of using potential waste (composting, etc.) and minimisation of landfill waste in the period 2023-2028. In order to achieve this ambition, an effective link to the MU Responsible Purchasing Strategy and the active participation of the whole academic community will be crucial.

Complete strategy can be found here.

Goals and measures:

1. Minimising waste including prevention (REFUSE - ROT) - reduction

Goal: To create conditions for a gradual reduction in the consumption of primary resources and the production of hazardous and unusable waste.

Measures:

1.1 In accordance with the Responsible Purchasing Strategy, take into account the life cycle of the goods purchased.

1.2 Promote the introduction of efficient, environmentally friendly and innovative solutions at Masaryk University that save input materials and gradually optimize related processes.

1.3 Reduce the amount of solid and hazardous waste generated, including waste from food service operations and from cleaning chemicals.

1.4 Increase student and staff awareness of opportunities to minimise waste, including awareness of legal obligations in waste management.

2. Maximising waste sorting and reuse (REUSE - RECYCLE - REPURPOSE) - strenghtening

Goal: Strive to increase the proportion of recycled and composted waste and to maximise the reuse of university assets while respecting socio-economic aspects.

Measures:

2.1 When selecting contractors to deal with waste management at Masaryk University, give preference to contractors guaranteeing both maximum reuse of waste, while ensuring its efficient and measurable collection, and enabling the purchase of waste.

2.2 Create conditions for effective sharing and reuse of university assets, especially furniture, ICT and selected laboratory and scientific equipment, both within and outside the university, for example by using a dedicated application, a virtual marketplace or an open system using a detailed list of relevant assets while respecting the primary places of origin and the stage of the investment process.

2.3 Analyse and further improve the accessibility and visibility of separated waste bins and composters, taking into account their availability both in terms of the expected place of generation and in the design and technical evaluation of infrastructure.

2.4 Significantly increase the awareness and motivation of students and staff on the possibilities of waste sorting, recycling, composting and reuse, including the promotion of a participatory approach.