Universities, through their research and operational capacities, can play a leading role in designing and implementing integrated waste management and resource recovery systems. Such initiatives help reduce the environmental footprint of university campuses while promoting collaboration across different sectors to advance the goals of sustainable development and the circular economy. At the University of Zanjan, agricultural residues, food industry by-products, and other waste streams are regarded as valuable resources that can be transformed into new products and contribute to more efficient resource utilization.
Considering the significant amount of food waste generated on campus, researchers at the University of Zanjan have developed an innovative technology to convert food and restaurant waste into animal feed. As part of this initiative, a food waste-to-animal feed processing system was established in 2019 to reduce organic waste while enabling its reuse in the University's livestock units. This technology represents a practical application of university research in support of the circular economy and sustainable resource management.		Food Waste to Animal Feed Processing System at the University of Zanjan
Integrated Waste Management System		As part of its Green Management Program, the University of Zanjan has implemented an integrated waste management system aimed at reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling rates, and improving waste collection efficiency. Waste is separated at the source in dining halls, student dormitories, and other campus facilities. Recyclable materials are further processed using appropriate equipment, including a plastic shredder that reduces the volume of plastic waste, thereby minimizing storage requirements and lowering the environmental impacts associated with transportation.
Key Achievements - Establishment of a food waste-to-animal feed processing system. - Development of a waste collection and recycling station focused on producing animal feed, agricultural inputs, and biodegradable polymers. - Implementation of source separation practices in dining halls, student dormitories, and other university facilities. - Deployment of an integrated waste management system, including plastic waste volume reduction through shredding. - Approximately 70% reduction in organic waste generated by the university dining hall through waste separation and recycling initiatives.		Plastic Shredder for Plastic Waste Volume Reduction