Breaking the Waste Cycle: How Central Mindanao University Cut Waste from 30 Tons to 2 Tons

Cecilia Ortiz Bucayong; Rolito G. Eballe; Bienvenido M. Butanas; Ann K. Maniego; Rubie Andoy Arroyo; Domingo P. Lodevico; Ronley C. Canatoy; Julie Ann Asari Orobia; Jocelyn P. Saniel

doi:10.14710/jsp.2025.29864

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jsp.2025.29864

Breaking the Waste Cycle: How Central Mindanao University Cut Waste from 30 Tons to 2 Tons

*Cecilia Ortiz Bucayong

- Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Rolito G. Eballe

- Department of Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Bienvenido M. Butanas

- Department of Physics, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Ann K. Maniego - Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Rubie Andoy Arroyo - Department of Hospitality and Management, College of Human Ecology, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Domingo P. Lodevico - Department of Food Science, College of Human Ecology, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Ronley C. Canatoy

- Departement of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Julie Ann Asari Orobia - Department of Language Education, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Jocelyn P. Saniel - BAC Secretariat, Central Mindanao University, Philippines

Copyright (c) 2025 Cecilia Ortiz Bucayong, Rolito G. Eballe, Bienvenido M. Butanas, Ann K. Maniego, Rubie Andoy Arroyo, Domingo P. Lodevico, Ronley C. Canatoy, Julie Ann Asari Orobia, Jocelyn P. Saniel

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

BibTex Citation Data :

@article{JSP29864,
    author = {Cecilia Bucayong and Rolito Eballe and Bienvenido Butanas and Ann Maniego and Rubie Arroyo and Domingo Lodevico and Ronley Canatoy and Julie Orobia and Jocelyn Saniel},
    title = {Breaking the Waste Cycle: How Central Mindanao University Cut Waste from 30 Tons to 2 Tons},
    journal = {Journal of Sustainability Perspectives},
  volume = {5},
    number = {2},
    year = {2025},
    keywords = {},
    abstract = {This study examines the effective waste management program at Central Mindanao University (CMU), which dramatically reduced its monthly waste generation from 30 tons to just 2 tons. The implementation of key strategies such as the Ban on Single-Use Plastics and the Color-Coded Sacks Policies, integrated into a broader framework aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), was crucial for this reduction. As the university transitioned back to in-person classes post-COVID-19, the campus population increased significantly from approximately 11,000 to 17,000, intensifying waste management challenges. In response, CMU established the Office of Environmental and Safety Management (OESM), which effectively tackled these issues by instituting structured policies that not only drastically reduced waste but also enhanced sustainability practices across the campus. The program's success was further amplified by robust community engagement and collaboration with local government, illustrating that a culture of environmental consciousness can effectively meet immediate waste management needs even in the absence of advanced technology. The study highlights how strategic planning and cooperative efforts can lead to significant environmental improvements, positioning CMU’s program as a benchmark for eco-conscious management. It aligns with global zero-waste best practices and demonstrates significant impacts on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.},
   issn = {2797-7137},   pages = {219--231}  doi = {10.14710/jsp.2025.29864},
    url = {https://ejournal2.undip.ac.id/index.php/jsp/article/view/29864}
}

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Abstract

This study examines the effective waste management program at Central Mindanao University (CMU), which dramatically reduced its monthly waste generation from 30 tons to just 2 tons. The implementation of key strategies such as the Ban on Single-Use Plastics and the Color-Coded Sacks Policies, integrated into a broader framework aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs), was crucial for this reduction. As the university transitioned back to in-person classes post-COVID-19, the campus population increased significantly from approximately 11,000 to 17,000, intensifying waste management challenges. In response, CMU established the Office of Environmental and Safety Management (OESM), which effectively tackled these issues by instituting structured policies that not only drastically reduced waste but also enhanced sustainability practices across the campus. The program's success was further amplified by robust community engagement and collaboration with local government, illustrating that a culture of environmental consciousness can effectively meet immediate waste management needs even in the absence of advanced technology. The study highlights how strategic planning and cooperative efforts can lead to significant environmental improvements, positioning CMU’s program as a benchmark for eco-conscious management. It aligns with global zero-waste best practices and demonstrates significant impacts on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

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Section: Original Articles

Language : EN

In Vol 5, No 2: December 2025

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