UNNES Achieves 98.22 Percent Waste Recycling Rate Through Integrated Waste Management in 2025
SEMARANG – Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to strengthen its commitment to environmental sustainability through an integrated waste management system that prioritizes waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal. In 2025, UNNES recorded a total of 4,365.45 tons of waste generated across campus, of which 4,287.95 tons were successfully recycled, achieving a recycling rate of 98.22 percent.
This achievement is supported by the university’s Integrated Waste Processing Facility (Tempat Pengolahan Sampah Terpadu or TPST), which systematically manages waste generated from academic buildings, administrative offices, canteens, and other campus facilities. Waste is collected daily by cleaning service teams and transported to the TPST for weighing, recording, sorting, and processing according to its characteristics.
UNNES implements various waste recycling methods to maximize resource recovery. Organic waste, particularly fallen leaves and foliage, is processed into compost for campus landscaping and environmental conservation activities. Meanwhile, food scraps are utilized as feed for black soldier fly (BSF) larvae, commonly known as maggots, which can subsequently be used as protein-rich animal feed. Inorganic waste, including plastic and paper, is also managed through recycling processes. Recyclable plastic is shredded into raw materials for further processing, while paper waste is transferred to PT Pura Nusapersada in Kudus for recycling into new paper products.
Despite its high recycling performance, certain waste materials cannot be processed through conventional recycling or composting methods. In 2025, UNNES recorded 74.5 tons of residual waste treated through an incinerator. This residue consisted of 51.19 tons of leaves that could not be composted, 1.31 tons of non-recyclable plastic, and 22 tons of twigs. These materials were separated from recyclable waste streams and processed through alternative waste treatment to minimize the accumulation of residual materials.
The university’s waste management records indicate that 98.22 percent of generated waste was recycled, while the remaining 1.78 percent was not classified as recycled. Of this non-recycled portion, 74.5 tons were treated through incineration. By distinguishing recycled waste from materials requiring alternative treatment, UNNES ensures more transparent monitoring and reporting of its waste management performance.
Waste generation and processing activities are monitored by the UNNES Sub-directorate for Conservation through daily collection, weighing, and quantitative recording at the TPST. This system enables the university to evaluate recycling performance, identify opportunities to improve waste processing efficiency, and strengthen accountability in campus waste management.
Through its integrated waste management system, UNNES demonstrates its commitment to responsible waste disposal and sustainable resource utilization. The achievement of a 98.22 percent recycling rate in 2025 reflects the university’s continuous efforts to minimize environmental impacts, promote circular economy practices, and support Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Source: UNNES SDGs Center, UNNES Implements Integrated Food Waste Management through Composting and Maggot Cultivation.
