A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ESTABLISHING WASTE PAPER RECYCLING PLANT AT TRINCOMALEE CAMPUS AS THE INITIATION OF SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS MODEL

Abstract

Sustainable Developments Goals are adopted globally to end all forms of poverty, fight inequalities and tackle climate change while ensuring that no one is left behind (United Nations, 2020). Being the demonstrated model by carrying out SDG activities, Higher Educational Institutions could disseminate knowledge and improve their position in global rankings (ISCN, 2018). HEIS could lead to the actualization of the environment and sustainability-related SDGs 6, 7,9, 1 1, 12, 13, 14 and 15 by taking measures regarding waste management which is a challenge to the environment (Dharmasiri, 2020). Open space burning, which is detrimental to the environment and living is currently in practice as a waste disposal practice at Trincomalee Campus. Based on observation and interview paper-based waste are the major solid waste sent for disposal. Hence, paper recycling was identified as the alternative to reduce the effect of open-space burning due to its potential to reduce environmental pollution while saving natural resources with economic benefits to the campus by reducing the expenditure on paper. Therefore a desktop study was done to analyse the feasibility of establishing a wastepaper recycling plant at Trincomalee Campus a! technical, institutional and socio-economic aspects. Literature survey, interviews and observation were used as the data collection method and the text-based analysis was done. The resources such as land and building, raw materials and human resources required and potential risk analysis with the identification of the remedies were identified as the factor determining the technical feasibility. The aim and the significance of the proposed project were considered to determine the possibility of adopting the project into the institutional strategies, policies and plans. Having professionals as experts, the potential of Trincomalee Campus in developing mobile applications and in culturing microbes required in the project were taken into account for deciding the institutional potential of implementing the project. The proposed project is technically feasible and it is feasible according to the institution, as this is able to be incorporated with the strategies, plan and activities and as the potential of the institution is good enough to implement the project. As this project would be more advantageous regarding environmental and health benefits, the socio-economical feasibility is identified with the suggested remedies for the identified health and environmental risks. Further, Lanka Environment Fund is identified as an appropriate funder. Future studies could be done to analyse stakeholder impact and the environmental and legal feasibility.