Waste disposal policies: extension to outsourced services and suppliers

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has established comprehensive waste disposal policies that explicitly extend to outsourced services and suppliers, ensuring a cohesive approach to environmental sustainability across all operations. This commitment is primarily articulated through the UJ Waste Management Policy and the Energy, Resource, Waste, and Sustainability (ERWSus) Policy.

Scope of the UJ Waste Management Policy

The UJ Waste Management Policy, first instituted in 2009 and reviewed in 2022, delineates its applicability to all facets of the university’s operations, including external partners. As specified in Section 4 of the policy:

“Scope: UJ Management; All generators of waste; Contractors.” 

This inclusive scope ensures that all contractors and waste generators associated with UJ adhere to the university’s waste management protocols, fostering a unified standard of environmental responsibility.

Integration with Outsourced Services and Suppliers

To operationalize this policy, UJ mandates that all contractors and service providers comply with its waste disposal guidelines. This includes:

• Contractual Obligations: Incorporating waste management compliance clauses into contracts with external service providers, ensuring adherence to UJ’s environmental standards.
• Regular Audits and Monitoring: Conducting periodic assessments of contractors’ waste disposal practices to verify compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Engaging with suppliers to develop and implement waste reduction strategies, such as minimizing packaging materials and promoting the use of recyclable or reusable resources.

Alignment with the ERWSus Policy

The ERWSus Policy further reinforces UJ’s dedication to sustainability by outlining strategic objectives for resource and waste management from 2022 to 2025. This policy emphasizes the importance of collaboration with external stakeholders, including suppliers and contractors, to achieve overarching environmental goals. By extending its sustainability expectations to all associated parties, UJ ensures a comprehensive and cohesive approach to waste minimization and responsible resource utilization. 

Practical Implementation and Examples

UJ’s commitment to integrating outsourced services and suppliers into its waste disposal framework is exemplified through various initiatives:

• Sustainable Procurement Practices: The university prioritizes partnerships with suppliers who demonstrate environmentally friendly practices, such as offering products with minimal packaging or utilizing sustainable materials.
• Training and Capacity Building: Providing educational resources and training sessions for contractors and suppliers to align their operations with UJ’s waste management policies, fostering a culture of sustainability beyond the university’s immediate operations.
• Performance Metrics and Reporting: Establishing key performance indicators related to waste reduction for outsourced services, with regular reporting mechanisms to track progress and ensure continuous improvement.

Through these comprehensive policies and collaborative efforts, the University of Johannesburg ensures that its commitment to effective waste disposal and environmental sustainability permeates all levels of its operations, including those conducted by outsourced services and suppliers.

Refer to page 3 (point 4) of the UJ Waste Management Policy on scope of this policy which applies and extends to all contractors and all generators of waste:

4.   Scope:

“UJ Management
All generators of waste
Contractors.”