Strategies for Improving Recycling at a Higher Education Institution: A Case Study of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados

摘要

Enhancing the sustainability of the management of waste from Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) isbecoming an increasingly important issue, globally. Using the University of the West Indies (UWI), Cave Hill campus, inBarbados as the case study HEI, and a combination of questionnaires, key informant interviews and waste audits, thestudy aimed to understand waste management practices on campus, as well as to gain an insight into how waste ismanaged at the national level. The results suggest that the key challenge facing sustainable waste management at theUniversity and the country in general was limited financial resources. Key motivators for recycling at the UWI were itsbenefits to keeping the Campus clean and the generation of funds. The major barriers were a lack of motivation, high bincontamination and a lack of knowledge regarding the Recycling Initiative. Bin location had a significant impact onrecyclable and contamination levels. Per capita overall and recyclable arisings at the University were 393.93 grams and308.35 grams respectively. Recommendations included increased education and initiative awareness and strategies toreduce bin contamination. At the national level, increased public awareness programs and involving everyone in theprocess were key strategies proposed to overcome the challenges.