Sustainable Development Policies

12.2.4

Waste Disposal — Landfill Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish principles and procedures that ensure the University of Thessaly minimizes landfill waste, promotes waste prevention, recycling, and recovery, and ensures that any unavoidable landfill disposal is conducted in full compliance with Greek and EU environmental regulations. This Policy supports the University’s sustainability commitments and aligns with the principles of the Circular Economy.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all University of Thessaly campuses, departments, and operations — including administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, residences, dining services, and construction projects. It covers all types of waste generated by University activities, including municipal, organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable residues.

3. Legal and Institutional Context

This Policy is aligned with: Law 4819/2021 (Circular Economy and Waste Management); Law 4042/2012 (Transposition of EU Directive 2008/98/EC); Joint Ministerial Decision Η.Π. 29407/3508/2002 (Landfill Operation Standards, ΦΕΚ Β’ 1572/2002); Law 1650/1986 (Environmental Protection); EU Directive 1999/31/EC (Landfill Directive); EU Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC; and UN SDGs 11, 12, and 13.

4. Policy Statement

1. The University of Thessaly is committed to minimizing waste sent to landfill and prioritizing waste prevention, reuse, and recycling.
   2. All University waste management practices shall aim to achieve zero landfill growth and long-term landfill diversion.
   3. Waste segregation at the source shall be mandatory in all facilities, ensuring recyclable and compostable materials are diverted from landfill streams.
   4. Construction and renovation projects must include waste management plans with landfill reduction targets.
   5. Hazardous waste shall not be disposed of in municipal landfills and must be managed under Policy #98 (Hazardous Materials Disposal).
   6. The University shall collaborate with municipal and regional waste management authorities to ensure compliance with approved landfill operations under the National Waste Management Plan (ΕΣΔΑ).
   7. Organic waste shall be diverted to composting or biogas recovery facilities wherever possible.
   8. The Procurement Office shall favor suppliers that provide recyclable or reusable packaging, reducing landfill-bound waste.
   9. Periodic waste audits shall assess landfill volumes and progress toward landfill reduction targets.
   10. The University shall communicate annual performance on landfill reduction through its Sustainability Report.

5. Implementation and Responsibilities

– The  Vice Rector of Finance and Administrative Affairsoversees the implementation of this Policy.
– The Rectorate monitors waste segregation and landfill diversion.
– The Technical Services Directorate manages collection logistics and contracts with licensed waste operators.
– All University departments are responsible for adhering to source separation and waste minimization guidelines.

6. Monitoring and Review

Annual audits will measure landfill diversion rates and evaluate compliance with this Policy. Results will inform waste management improvement actions. This Policy will be reviewed every three (3) years or earlier if required by legislative or environmental changes.

7. Related Documents / References

Law 4819/2021;
Law 4042/2012;
Law 1650/1986;
JMD Η.Π. 29407/3508/2002;
EU Directive 1999/31/EC;
EU Directive 2008/98/EC;
University Policy #98;
UN SDGs 11, 12, 13.