Waste Tracking and Food Waste Monitoring System
Universitas Mataram (UNRAM) recognizes that effective waste reduction begins with accurate measurement. As part of its commitment to sustainable consumption, organic waste circularity, and evidence-based environmental management, the university has established a waste tracking initiative focused on measuring campus food waste generation. The initiative provides a systematic approach to collecting data on waste generation, enabling the university to evaluate the effectiveness of waste reduction measures and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
Waste tracking supports UNRAM’s broader sustainability agenda, including the implementation of Rector Decree Number 10 of 2022 concerning Waste Management, which promotes waste reduction, resource recovery, and environmentally responsible campus operations.
Waste Tracking Approach
UNRAM conducts periodic measurements of food waste generated from campus food service activities and communal dining areas. The monitoring process focuses on quantifying organic waste streams and documenting waste generation patterns to better understand how food is consumed and discarded across the campus community.
By collecting and analyzing waste data, the university is able to:
- Establish baseline information on campus food waste generation;
- Identify major sources of organic waste;
- Monitor changes in waste generation over time;
- Evaluate the effectiveness of waste reduction interventions;
- Support planning for composting and organic waste utilization programs; and
- Inform policies aimed at reducing avoidable food waste.
The waste tracking system transforms waste management from a reactive activity into a data-driven process that supports strategic decision-making and continuous performance improvement.
Supporting Circular Economy Principles
Food waste tracking is a critical component of UNRAM’s circular economy strategy. Measuring organic waste generation enables the university to determine how much material can potentially be recovered and returned to productive use through composting, soil enhancement, or other resource recovery activities.
Rather than treating food waste as a disposal problem, UNRAM views the collected data as a resource management tool that helps identify opportunities to:
- Reduce avoidable food waste at the source;
- Increase recovery of organic materials;
- Improve nutrient cycling within campus systems;
- Reduce dependence on landfill disposal; and
- Enhance the efficiency of campus resource use.
This approach strengthens the transition from a linear consumption model toward a circular system in which organic materials are continuously recovered and utilized.
Monitoring Indicators
To evaluate the effectiveness of waste management initiatives and track progress toward SDG 12.3, UNRAM monitors several key indicators:
- Total food waste generated (kg/month or kg/year);
- Food waste generation per capita;
- Percentage of organic waste within the campus waste stream;
- Quantity of organic waste diverted for composting or resource recovery;
- Reduction in food waste compared with baseline measurements;
- Number of waste audits conducted annually;
- Participation of campus units in waste monitoring activities; and
- Quantity of compost or recovered organic products generated from food waste.
Institutional Benefits
The waste tracking initiative enables UNRAM to assess the effectiveness of its sustainability programs using measurable evidence rather than assumptions.
By systematically measuring and tracking food waste generation, UNRAM is able to evaluate the effectiveness of its waste management efforts, monitor progress toward waste reduction targets, and identify opportunities to improve resource recovery and organic waste circularity. The resulting data provide a robust basis for decision-making, policy development, and continuous improvement in sustainable campus operations.
SDG Impact
Through the implementation of a campus waste tracking system, UNRAM strengthens accountability and evidence-based management of food waste. The initiative supports the university’s efforts to reduce food waste generation, improve resource efficiency, and increase the recovery of organic materials. By monitoring waste flows and using the resulting data to guide interventions, UNRAM contributes directly to SDG Target 12.3.1 while advancing a more circular and sustainable campus food system.