15.4.2. Policy on plastic waste reduction

METU has a policy to reduce plastic waste on its campuses.

Policy

METU's Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy states: "METU has full responsibility to decrease the consumption of disposable materials from paper, plastic, and aluminium… Disposable and non-environmentally friendly service materials made of plastic, aluminium or foam cannot be used in canteens, cafeterias, restaurants and buffets located in the campus. These products cannot be sold in the markets in the campus."

Implementation

• Kaynak ODTÜ (2025): free drinking water at dispensers across the campus replaces single-use plastic bottles.

https://kaynakodtu.adimodtu.org.tr/ 

• Plastic packaging is separated at source in all buildings and sent for recycling through the Zero Waste Unit, set up in 2019.