The higher education institutions' approaches to raise sustainability: A review of current solid waste management practices

Ana Maria Maniero Moreira and Wanda Maria Risso Günther

Abstract
Higher education institutions play an essential role in building a more sustainable society, and they must carry out at least two important responsibilities: mitigate negative environmental and social impacts, and promote sustainable practices in teaching, research programs, and campus operations. This study aims to explore the global evolution of scientific production related to solid waste management and sustainable development in higher education institutions published between January 2010 and July 2023. The resulting 53 articles, retrieved from the Web of Science database, were grouped conforming to the study method applied (case study, literature review, questionnaire analysis or interventionist study), and according to the name of the journal, language, and year of publication. Next, the 35 case studies identified were categorized based on the main topics covered, year of publication, and countries where the institutions are located, and then subjected to thematic analysis. This study provides insights into the difficulties and challenges faced, successful strategies currently being implemented, in addition to presenting recommendations for approaches to the improvement of solid waste management and to build the socio-environmental and economic sustainability of these institutions.

Keywords
Solid waste management; Higher education institution; Sustainability; Sustainable strategies; Hazardous waste.

Resumo
As abordagens de instituições de ensino superior para alavancar a sustentabilidade: uma revisão das práticas atuais de gestão de resíduos sólidos. As instituições de ensino superior desempenham papel essencial na construção de uma sociedade mais sustentável e carregam pelo menos duas responsabilidades importantes: mitigar impactos ambientais e sociais negativos e promover práticas sustentáveis em ensino, programas de pesquisa e operações no campus. Este estudo tem como objetivo explorar a evolução global da produção científica relacionada à gestão de resíduos sólidos e ao desenvolvimento sustentável em instituições de ensino superior publicadas entre janeiro de 2010 e julho de 2023. Os resultantes 53 artigos, recuperados do banco de dados da Web of Science, foram agrupados conforme o método do estudo aplicado (estudo de caso, revisão de literatura, análise de questionários ou estudo intervencionista), e de acordo com o nome do periódico, idioma e ano de publicação. Em seguida, os 35 estudos de caso identificados foram categorizados com base nos principais tópicos abordados, ano de publicação e países onde as instituições estão localizadas e, então, submetidos à análise temática. O presente estudo fornece percepções quanto às dificuldades e os desafios enfrentados, estratégias exitosas atualmente implementadas, além de apresentar recomendações de abordagens para o aprimoramento da gestão de resíduos sólidos e para a construção da sustentabilidade socioambiental e econômicadessas instituições.

Palavras-chave
Gestão de resíduos sólidos; Instituição de ensino superior; Sustentabilidade; Estratégias sustentáveis; Resíduos perigosos.

DOI
10.21438/rbgas(2024)112918


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