Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

Improvement of hazardous waste management at the University of Cordoba (Spain) through educational actions

5^th International Conference on Recycling & Waste Management
March 05-06, 2018 | London, UK

Antonio Gomera, Jose E Aguilar, Ana de Toro, Clara Guijarro, Miguel Antunez and Manuel Vaquero

University of Cordoba, Spain

Posters & Accepted Abstracts : Environ Waste Management and Recycling

Abstract:

The teaching and research activity that takes place in the university generates a large amount of hazardous chemical and biological waste. This type of waste is characterized by a heterogeneous composition and a production in small and time varying quantities. This makes it necessary that the procedures for their control should pay special attention to educational strategies that may facilitate motivation and competence for the people involved. Objective: To present the experience developed at the University of Cordoba (Spain) for controlling and improving the management of hazardous waste between 2008 and 2016. Methodology: Describe the main training, information and awareness actions launched by the Environmental Protection Service of the University, e.g.: courses, newsletters, awareness tools aimed at producers and users. In our university there are about 90 producing units (research groups, departments, etc.). Results: These actions have paid special attention to waste minimization, achieving, in the nine-year period, a decrease in consumption of packaging by 37% and waste production by 24% (getting a decrease in the percentage of mixtures of 64%). Conclusions: Used in a coordinated way, education and management in the field of hazardous waste can complement and even strengthen between them. A good management is an excellent educational tool and, in the same way, a good education enriches and improves the effectiveness of management. e: agomera@uco.es

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