1. Reduce

The concept of "Reduce" is the first and foremost step in the 3R hierarchy, which stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It involves minimizing the generation of waste and conserving resources by using less and being more efficient. Reducing waste means consuming fewer products, materials, and energy, and it has a direct impact on decreasing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators. This approach encourages a shift toward sustainable practices in manufacturing, packaging, and consumption. By choosing products with minimal packaging, adopting energy-efficient technologies, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle, individuals, businesses, and communities can collectively reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly world.

2. Reuse

The "Reuse" aspect of the 3R concept encourages finding creative and practical ways to extend the life of products and materials. Instead of disposing of items after a single use, reusing involves using them again or finding new purposes for them. This practice not only reduces waste but also conserves valuable resources and reduces the need for additional production. Reusing can take various forms, from using cloth shopping bags and refillable water bottles to donating or selling old items instead of throwing them away. Embracing this concept fosters a culture of resourcefulness and innovation, as well as a mindset that values the longevity and versatility of products.

3. Recycle

Recycling, the final element in the 3R hierarchy, focuses on converting materials and products that would otherwise become waste into new items. Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It plays a critical role in reducing the burden on landfills and alleviating pollution. Commonly recycled materials include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metals. Recycling facilities sort and process these materials to create new products, closing the loop and reducing the need for virgin resources. Communities and individuals can actively participate in recycling programs, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy, where materials are reused and repurposed, further minimizing waste..

What University Does with My Waste?

The proper segregation of waste at collection points is essential for effective waste management and disposal. This practice not only reduces labor costs at waste sorting centers but also makes waste processing more convenient. Within the University of Peradeniya, the primary types of waste produced include food waste, plastic (both recyclable and non-recyclable), uncleaned food packages and liners, paper and cardboard, sanitary pads, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), glass bottles, broken glassware, and Styrofoam.

The Health Center of the University is responsible for waste management on the campus, and waste generated at the University is collected from various collection points according to a predefined schedule. The collected waste is then sorted at a waste sorting facility. Food waste is sold as animal feed, recyclable plastic, WEEE, glass, and cans are sold to recyclers, and the remaining residual waste and sanitary pads are incinerated at the newly established onsite incinerator.

Types of waste collected at the Campus

• Food waste

• Grass cuttings & leaf litter

• Plastics & polythene (recyclable and non-recyclable)

• Paper (Regular paper materials and confidential documents)

• Medical waste 

• WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) 

• Construction waste materials

Food waste

• All the food waste  is sent to a local piggery as animal feed and a part of the food waste is used for compost production the Landscape Division and University farm. 

Grass cuttings & leaf litter

• All the grass cuttings are either sent to the University farm as animal feed or used in compost production. Leaf litter is also used in compost production.

Plastics & polythene (recyclable)

• The collected plastics & polythene waste is taken to a  processing center and sorted as recyclable and non-recyclable plastics. The recyclable plastics & polythene are sold to a local recycler. 

Plastics & polythene (non-recyclable)

• A incinerator has constructed within the University premises,  according to the guidelines of Central Environmental Authority, Sri Lanka (CEA). All the non-recyclable waste (plastic, polythene, sanatory pads, medical waste, etc.,) is  incinerated. 

Paper (regular paper materials and confidential documents)

• Paper waste is handled according to the Circular No. SpreD/03/08 on Collection and Recycling of Waste Paper.

• All the  collected regular paper waste is sold to a local recycler. 

• The old confidential documents (official letters, exam papers, agreements, etc., ) are stored until the embargo period is over. Then they are shredded and handed over to the government paper mill for recycling.

Glass

• All the recyclable glass produced at the campus  is sold to a local recycler. 

WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) 

• WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is collected each year from faculties and units of the University and temporally stored in a warehouse and auctioned to local recyclers who are registered at the Central Environment Authority (CEA) of Sri Lanka. 

Medical waste 

• All the medical waste produced at the university campus is collected  regularly and incinerated.