12.2.5. Policy for minimization of plastic use

Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces strict policies aimed at minimizing plastic consumption, restricting non-environmentally friendly disposable service materials, and operating an integrated zero-waste tracking framework. Governed by the METU Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy (http://sustainablecampus.metu.edu.tr/en/policies) and executed by the METU Zero Waste Unit (https://imidb.metu.edu.tr/tr/sifir-atik-birimi), the university actively prevents waste generation at its source, prioritizes reusable packaging across campus commercial vendors, and maintains complete waste traceability under national binding zero-waste legislation.

1. Directives on Plastic Minimisation & Disposable Material Restrictions

As mandated under the METU Inorganic Waste and Recycling Policy, the university takes full responsibility for decreasing the consumption of disposable plastic, paper, and aluminum products across all campus venues:

• Commercial & Dining Restrictions: Disposable and non-environmentally friendly service materials made of plastic, aluminum, or foam are restricted in canteens, cafeterias, restaurants, and buffets located on campus.
• Campus Events & Procurement Standards: Reusable service products must be preferred instead of disposable items in all academic and social meetings and events held on campus. All suppliers are expected to supply and sell products in reusable or recyclable packaging.
• Paper-Reduction Systems: Administrative operations utilize the Electronic Document Management System (EBYS) for internal/external correspondence, while educational course materials are distributed through ODTUCLASS (Learning Management System) to ensure minimal printouts.

2. Institutional Framework: METU Zero Waste Unit (Established 2019)

Established in 2019, the METU Zero Waste Unit operates to prevent waste, use resources efficiently, minimize waste generation, and enforce source segregation:

• Operational Mandates: Oversees the establishment and continuity of the zero-waste system—encompassing waste reduction, source segregation, temporary storage, separate collection, transport, and processing.
• Municipal Coordination: Coordinates with the Internal Services Directorate and relevant Municipal units to ensure separately collected wastes are transported without cross-contamination.
• Traceability & Government System: Registered with the national Zero Waste Information System ([https://sifiratik.gov.tr/], ensuring transparent tracking and monitoring of all managed waste streams in compliance with binding public regulations (https://www.mevzuat.gov.tr/mevzuat?MevzuatNo=32659&MevzuatTur=7&MevzuatT...).