Waste, Prevention & Reuse

The University of Parma promotes proper waste management in line with the principles of the circular economy, giving priority to waste prevention and reduction, as well as recovery and reuse.

Through continuous improvement in waste management and prevention, the University of Parma also reaffirms its commitment to actively working towards the objectives set out in the “Manifesto of Italian Universities for Sustainability”, approved in Udine on May 30, 2019.

The objectives of UniPR’s general actions are structured as follows:

Adoption of initiatives for waste prevention at the source, plastic-free policies, promotion of digitalization, reuse of IT materials, and reduction of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment);
Internal involvement and public engagement for waste prevention and proper waste management;
With regard to increasing sustainability in the area of separate waste collection, particular importance is attached to the University’s commitment to improving and strengthening its waste management system, with consequent implications for the reduction and more effective differentiation of waste comparable to urban waste

In the context of special waste, particular importance is given to the recent drafting of the “University Regulation for the Management of Special Waste and the Implementation of Principles for Prevention, Reuse, and Sustainability”. This act demonstrates the University’s growing commitment to sustainability and introduces specific guidelines for reducing the production of special waste and promoting opportunities for reuse

Events - Initiatives

Our University organizes events to promote sustainability and reuse, such as Swap Parties for exchanging clothes and footwear, and technology recovery activities through the installation of Linux systems on old computers. These initiatives encourage conscious consumption, help reduce waste, and contribute to building a community that is environmentally aware and open to collaboration

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Waste Management Documentation

Official documents related to the management of waste produced by the University: guidelines, procedures, reuse projects, and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact. A point of reference for learning about the concrete actions undertaken towards building a more sustainable community

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Waste Prevention and Reduction

In recent years, the University of Parma has launched several initiatives for waste prevention, including the reuse of decommissioned IT equipment through donations and participation in the “Rivending” project for recycling polystyrene cups. It has also promoted the use of UNIPR water bottles and installed dispensers of microfiltered water, thus embarking on a path towards the “plastic-free” goal and a significant reduction in the use of plastic in everyday university life

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Event “Clean Up the World”

The University of Parma takes part every year in the national campaign “Puliamo il Mondo” organized by Legambiente, which is linked to the international initiative “Clean Up the World”. The event, promoted by the “Sustainable University” group, aims to raise awareness about waste reduction and recycling through activities dedicated to the care and cleaning of public spaces, helping to make cities more livable and the local area more accessible to everyone

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Reuse Portal

Reuse, a key component of the circular economy alongside reduction and recycling, means giving new life to objects that are still usable, preventing them from becoming waste. The University of Parma promotes this practice through the Reuse Portal, which enables the free donation of furniture and equipment to public institutions, schools, and non-profit organizations

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Waste Management

In its teaching, research, and service activities, the University of Parma generates each year different types of waste, divided into two main categories: waste comparable to municipal waste and special waste, each with specific management processes

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