The concept of “Zero Waste”, which involves preventing waste, using resources more efficiently, reviewing the causes of waste formation to prevent or minimize waste generation, and ensuring the separate collection and recovery of waste at its source, is on the agenda both globally and in our country. This approach helps to increase resource use efficiency, prevent environmental pollution and the risks associated with pollution, and reduce overall costs by generating economic gains from products included in the circular economy [1].

In our country, as part of the Zero Waste efforts conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning, various entities such as municipalities, shopping malls, hospitals, workplaces, organizations, marinas, schools, hotels, restaurants, residential complexes, terminals, and universities have been encouraged and guided to establish the “Zero Waste” system, with numerous supportive and instructive materials created [2].

Waste management, which is one of the most important steps towards becoming a sustainable campus, is currently being conducted in association with various activities within the boundaries of our university campus. The wastes generated on the campus are classified into different categories such as medical waste, waste oil, recyclable waste, organic waste, and are stored separately according to their categories, with each being managed in accordance with the regulations of their respective category. With this waste management model, following an application made through the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization’s Zero Waste Information System, the necessary examinations were conducted by the ministry, and Yıldız Technical University has been entitled to receive the Basic Level Zero Waste Certificate.

Yıldız Technical University has become the first state university in Istanbul to earn the ‘Zero Waste Certificate’ by establishing the Zero Waste Management System at its Davutpaşa Campus.

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