15.4.3 Policy on Hazardous Waste Disposal
Policy on Hazardous Waste Disposal at Universitas Sebelas Maret
Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) demonstrates its institutional commitment to responsible environmental management through a university-wide policy, supported by operational processes and practical measures for hazardous waste disposal. The university has established Rector’s Instruction No. 30 of 2023 on the Management of Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3), which provides the institutional framework for managing hazardous materials and waste generated across university activities.
This policy applies to faculties, institutions, administrative units, academic staff, and students. It establishes requirements for waste segregation, reduction, storage, collection, transportation, utilization, and treatment. Through these measures, UNS ensures that hazardous waste is managed through appropriate procedures and facilities to minimize risks to human health, water resources, soil quality, and surrounding ecosystems. These efforts also support SDG 15 (Life on Land) by reducing the potential environmental impact of hazardous waste and helping protect terrestrial ecosystems.
1. Institutional Policy and Regulatory Framework for Hazardous Waste Management
UNS has established a formal institutional policy through Rector’s Instruction No. 30 of 2023 on the Management of Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3). The instruction requires all university faculties, institutions, units, academic staff, and students to participate in responsible waste management, including hazardous materials. It covers key stages of hazardous waste disposal, including waste reduction, segregation, storage, collection, transportation, utilization, and treatment.
The policy also emphasizes providing appropriate waste management facilities, standardized laboratory material storage, and suitable treatment installations. In particular, it requires measures to prevent hazardous and liquid waste from contaminating water bodies and the surrounding environment. This institutional framework establishes a consistent basis for hazardous waste management across UNS and supports national environmental protection requirements under Law No. 32 of 2009 and Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021.
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2. Implementation of Hazardous Waste Segregation and Collection
UNS implements its hazardous waste disposal policy through practical waste segregation and collection activities. One example is the collection and handover of used batteries organized by the Faculty of Engineering in 2025. On July 15, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering officially handed over collected used batteries to the D-3 Chemical Engineering Study Program, Vocational School, UNS.
Before the handover, dedicated drop boxes were provided in each Faculty of Engineering building to facilitate the separate collection of used batteries. This practice demonstrates hazardous waste segregation at the source, the provision of dedicated collection points, and coordination between university units for responsible waste handling. It also illustrates how UNS translates its institutional policy into practical waste management activities that help prevent hazardous materials from entering general waste streams and reduce potential environmental contamination.
Reference: UNS Vocational School – Handover of Used Batteries from the Faculty of Engineering, July 15, 2025
3. Supporting Evidence of Policy Implementation
The implementation of UNS’s hazardous waste management policy is demonstrated through a structured process covering the collection, temporary storage, transportation, and treatment of hazardous and toxic waste (B3). Each faculty has a waste collection system through which it gathers hazardous waste and transfers it to designated Temporary Storage Facilities for Hazardous and Toxic Waste (TPSLB3). These facilities include separate storage areas for infectious waste and other hazardous waste, which are designed in accordance with safety and environmental standards.
The university also conducts regular monitoring and handling procedures to ensure that hazardous waste is managed appropriately. A trained technical team is responsible for weighing and arranging the transportation of waste periodically, on a monthly basis. The collected waste is subsequently transferred to PT Arah Environmental Indonesia, a certified and officially licensed hazardous waste treatment company. This partnership supports the proper handling and treatment of hazardous waste in accordance with applicable regulations and environmental standards.
The implementation of these procedures is supported by UNS’s hazardous waste records. In 2025, the university generated 54.68 tons of hazardous waste, consisting of 4.40 tons of electronic waste and 50.28 tons of laboratory waste, including chemical and infectious waste. The records identify faculties, laboratories, the medical center, and UNS Hospital as sources of hazardous waste. They also document the use of TPSLB3 for temporary storage and the involvement of licensed external parties in further treatment.
Through these established procedures and institutional arrangements, UNS demonstrates the practical implementation of hazardous waste disposal and treatment across its university operations. The system helps prevent the uncontrolled release of hazardous materials into the environment and supports the protection of environmental quality and terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to the broader objectives of SDG 15: Life on Land.
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Conclusion
Through Rector’s Instruction No. 30 of 2023, UNS has established an institutional policy covering waste disposal and hazardous materials management. The policy is supported by practical processes, including hazardous waste segregation, dedicated collection points, inter-unit coordination, wastewater treatment infrastructure, and cooperation with a specialized hazardous waste processor.
The implementation of these measures is reflected in the university’s 2025 waste tracking data and the documented collection and handover of used batteries. By integrating institutional regulations, operational practices, and waste treatment arrangements, UNS continues to strengthen responsible hazardous waste management and reduce environmental risks. These efforts contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by helping prevent land contamination and protecting terrestrial ecosystems from the adverse impacts of hazardous waste.
SDG 15 Indicator
Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education
Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Action
Land Sensitive Waste Disposal
Policy on Hazardous Waste Disposal at Universitas Sebelas Maret
Policy / Regulation | Link | Summary and relevance |
Rector’s Instruction No. 30 of 2023 on the Management of Waste and Hazardous and Toxic Materials (B3) at UNS | Establishes the university-wide obligation to manage waste and hazardous materials, including segregation, reduction, storage, collection, transportation, utilization, and treatment. It also addresses appropriate facilities and measures to prevent environmental contamination. | |
Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management | Establishes the legal obligation to protect environmental functions and manage hazardous and toxic waste generated by individuals or entities. | |
Government Regulation No. 22 of 2021 on the Implementation of Environmental Protection and Management | Provides the national regulatory framework for environmental protection and management, including requirements for hazardous waste management. |