Hasanuddin University is rolling out a practical action plan to reduce plastic waste across faculties, events, and student programs. This initiative is reinforced by Circular Letter No. 09246/UN4.1/KM.01.03/2024, which prohibits the use of single-use plastic water bottles and plastic bags on campus. This policy is intended not only to reduce plastic waste but also to encourage behavioral changes among the university community. Its implementation is supported by waste sorting, collection, recycling, and reuse at the point where waste is generated, creating a more integrated waste-management system across campus.

The commitment to reducing single-use plastic is also introduced to students from the beginning of their university experience. Unhas encourages more than 10,000 new students to bring and use personal reusable tumblers during campus activities (Pengenalan Kehidupan Kampus bagi Mahasiswa Baru (PKKMB)). Through PKKMB 2025, Unhas promoted sustainability from the first day on campus, introducing environmentally responsible habits as part of students’ campus culture.

Strengthening the Circular Economy through the Campus Waste Bank

Another important component of Unhas’ waste-management strategy is the establishment of the Central Waste Bank at the Tamalanrea Campus, which was established in February 2023 as part of the network of the Makassar City Main Waste Bank. The facility applies a circular-economy approach by enabling members of the academic community to deposit segregated recyclable waste. The deposited waste is weighed, recorded, and converted into economic value, providing compensation to waste contributors. These efforts are complemented by Marine Plastic Research Group, which contributes to monitoring plastic pollution in coastal areas and strengthens Unhas efforts to protect marine and aquatic environments.

Unhas has also demonstrated its institutional commitment through its participation in the National Waste Awareness Day 2025 (Hari Peduli Sampah Nasional 2025). Unhas hosted the ASTA Hari Peduli Sampah Nasional 2025 at the Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on 15 March 2025. The event brought together national stakeholders and government representatives and provided an important platform for strengthening public awareness and collaboration on sustainable waste management.

Unhas’ commitment to sustainable waste management is also strengthened through international collaboration. One example is the cooperation with Okayama University, Japan, which has explored opportunities to expand collaboration in the field of sustainable waste management.

 Waste Management as Part of Student Engagement and Community Outreach

Waste management at Unhas is further strengthened through student participation, particularly through Thematic Community Service Programs (KKN Tematik). Students become agents of environmental education by transferring knowledge and practical waste-management skills to communities and schools. Activities include education on waste segregation for elementary and junior high school students, discussions on waste-management practices in Makassar, conversion of plastic waste into ecobricks, and the creative reuse of plastic bottles into handicrafts.

Unhas extends plastic reduction beyond the classroom through student organizations and the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN), promoting reusable tumblers, refill stations, and reusable packaging during campus and community activities. Youth-led workshops in schools and villages encourage waste sorting and plastic reduction, while continuous mentoring and waste bank partnerships help achieve measurable reductions in single-use plastic waste and strengthen a greener campus culture.