Sustainable AASTMT

[3.15]Total volume toxic waste treated this year

Description:

AASTMT implements a comprehensive hazardous waste management system covering chemical, biological, medical, laboratory, and electronic waste generated across its campuses, laboratories, clinics, and research facilities. Hazardous waste is segregated at the source and classified according to its type to ensure safe handling, storage, transportation, treatment, and final disposal. The Academy manages its biohazardous and toxic laboratory wastes by categorizing them into chemical, biological, and medical waste streams.

Chemical waste is stored in designated secure containers and handled according to strict laboratory safety procedures. Biological waste generated from microbiology and biotechnology laboratories is sterilized through autoclaving before disposal. Medical waste from clinics and healthcare facilities is collected separately and managed according to environmental and health regulations.

AASTMT collaborates with certified waste-management companies, including Nahdet Misr, for the collection, transportation, treatment, and environmentally responsible disposal of hazardous materials. The Academy continuously monitors hazardous waste activities, conducts awareness programs, and provides training sessions for students, researchers, laboratory personnel, and staff members to minimise environmental risks and support sustainable campus operations.

Toxic Waste Treatment Data

The table below presents the total volume of toxic waste treated during the current reporting period, with comparative data from the previous year. All toxic waste generated is treated through appropriate methods, with 100% of laboratory chemical and electronic waste being properly processed.

Key Observations:

• Total toxic waste treated: 2.20 tons (100% of toxic waste generated)
• Waste reduction achieved: 0.10 tons compared to the previous year (4.2% reduction)
• Treatment rate: 100% of all toxic waste is treated through appropriate methods
• Waste breakdown: Laboratory chemicals account for approximately 90% of hazardous waste, while electronics account for approximately 10%

Treatment and Sterilization Procedures

AASTMT applies comprehensive treatment methods to ensure hazardous waste is safely neutralised before final disposal. The specific disposal processes include:

Treatment & Sterilisation of Biological Waste

Biological waste generated from microbiology and biotechnology laboratories is sterilised through autoclaving before disposal. This on-site sterilisation process effectively neutralises pathogens and reduces contamination risks. Once autoclaved, the waste is securely contained and transferred to AASTMT's certified waste management partner for safe, compliant disposal.

Clinical labs and medical facilities on AASTMT campuses follow strict procedures for hazardous biological waste, including medical waste like used syringes, swabs, and other contaminated materials. This waste is initially sterilised as needed, then stored in biohazard-safe containers and managed through certified disposal services.

Chemical Waste Management

Toxic chemical waste is stored safely in designated fume hoods and secure cabinets to prevent vapour and environmental contamination. The College of Pharmacy at AASTMT is reinforcing its commitment to environmental safety with a waste disposal initiative in its laboratories. Liquid chemical waste is collected in designated bottles within each lab and then transferred to larger containers for safe handling and subsequent disposal.

Chemical waste is stored in designated secure cabinets, such as those for flammable materials, with strict enforcement both before and after use to mitigate risks, protect human health, and prevent environmental contamination. Students are instructed to perform all reactions that emit fumes, including volatile or hazardous compounds, within a fume hood to effectively vent harmful vapours and reinforce environmentally responsible lab practices.

Electronic Waste Treatment

Electronic waste, including obsolete computers, laboratory devices, and electronic components, is collected separately and transferred to certified recycling facilities. During the reporting period, e-waste generation decreased slightly from 0.51 tons to 0.50 tons, reflecting efforts to extend the useful life of electronic equipment through maintenance, repair, and responsible replacement practices.

Treatment Methods

AASTMT manages toxic waste through established procedures for the collection, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials. The majority of toxic waste is treated through specialised recycling and recovery processes, minimising environmental impacts and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Waste Breakdown:

• Laboratory Chemicals (~90%): Treated through chemical neutralisation and specialised recycling processes
• Electronics (~10%): Recycled through certified e-waste recycling facilities

Partnership with Nahdet Misr for Certified Disposal

AASTMT collaborates with Nahdet Misr, an accredited national environmental waste company, for the collection, transportation, treatment, and environmentally responsible disposal of hazardous materials. All waste is ultimately handed over to Nahdet Misr Company, a certified provider, to ensure environmentally responsible disposal. Hazardous waste handover is supervised by AASTMT staff members to verify safe containment and proper documentation, guaranteeing secure transport and disposal.

Service Contracts and Documentation:

• AASTMT maintains formal service contracts with Nahdet Misr for the collection, transport, and treatment of medical and hazardous waste
• Invoices and purchase orders document the ongoing relationship with regular collections and payments
• The partnership ensures compliance with Egyptian environmental regulations and international best practices

Landfill/Hazardous Waste:

AASTMT sends a minimal amount of hazardous waste to landfills, with the majority being treated through recycling and recovery processes. Approximately 0.5–1.0 metric tons of hazardous waste are sent to landfills annually, primarily consisting of non-recoverable hazardous medical waste from clinics and faculties. This represents less than 50% of the total hazardous waste generated, with the remainder being treated through recycling and recovery processes.

Monitoring and Reduction Strategies

AASTMT continuously tracks and measures waste generation across campuses as part of its waste management strategy.

Zero-Waste Campus Vision:

The Academy aims to:

• Achieve a Zero-Waste Campus by 2049
• Reduce total waste generation by 15% before 2030
• Expand recycling infrastructure and innovative waste-management solutions across all branches
• Minimise hazardous waste generation through sustainable laboratory practices and environmentally responsible resource use

Waste Tracking System:

AASTMT has established a waste monitoring and tracking system to assess waste quantities, recycling performance, and sustainability progress. According to university reports, approximately 3.78 metric tons of waste were recycled during 2023–2024.

Reduction Achievements:

• E-waste: 0.01 ton reduction (from 0.51 to 0.50 tons)
• Laboratory Chemicals: 0.19 ton reduction (from 1.89 to 1.70 tons)
• Total Reduction: 0.10 tons (4.2% reduction compared to previous year)

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

AASTMT's toxic waste treatment programs contribute to multiple SDGs:

Summary of Toxic Waste Treatment

Additional Evidence Links