INTEGRATED EVALUATION OF HAZARDOUS AND TOXIC WASTE (B3) MANAGEMENT IN A MULTI-CLUSTER UNIVERSITY: FACILITY-BASED ESTIMATION AND COMPLIANCE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Operational activities of higher education institutions generate various hazardous and toxic wastes, originating not only from laboratory activities but also from administrative and supporting operations. Previous studies and institutional practices have predominantly focused on laboratory-generated hazardous waste, resulting in limited recognition and management of non-laboratory hazardous waste streams within universities. This study hypothesizes that hazardous waste management performance in higher education institutions remains fragmented and activity-based due to the absence of integrated identification, governance, and institutional coordination systems. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate hazardous and toxic waste management performance at Universitas Hasanuddin Tamalanrea Campus and to identify root causes of non-optimal implementation as the basis for improvement strategies. The study employed a descriptive–evaluative design using a total population approach covering 15 faculties. Performance evaluation was conducted using an evidence-based scoring system (0–3) across 20 technical and administrative indicators derived from national regulations. Data were collected through field observations, structured interviews, and document reviews, while root cause analysis was performed using a Fishbone Diagram with a 6M framework. The results show that hazardous waste management performance scores ranged from 3 to 37 out of a maximum of 60. Only one faculty achieved a “Good” category, four faculties were classified as “Moderate,” two as “Low,” and eight faculties (53.33%) fell into the “Poor” category. Faculties with intensive laboratory activities demonstrated relatively higher compliance, whereas non-laboratory faculties exhibited minimal implementation. Root cause analysis revealed that deficiencies were primarily driven by inadequate standardized procedures, limited infrastructure, insufficient human resource capacity, fragmented documentation, and weak institutional coordination. These findings confirm the proposed hypothesis that fragmented governance systems undermine effective hazardous waste management. In conclusion, hazardous waste management at Universitas Hasanuddin remains uneven and non-integrated across faculties. Strengthening institutional-level systems, standardized procedures, and coordinated governance is essential to improve regulatory compliance and environmental safety in higher education institutions.