Increasing Students’ Environmental Education and Awareness Through Campus Owned Waste Management Unit

Integrated Waste Management Center (P2ST) owned by State University of Medan was a program established by those who are committed in waste disposal, collection, and management. This program was part of Strategic Plan that principally
included environmentally sound approach in its planning and implementation. Despite the support on environmental awareness through policies drafting and aid offering as this
waste services, subsequent events such as technical advices and education session about waste system in order to encourage waste minimization practices based on re-use,
recycling, and reduce, waste disposal and user choice to improve natural environment,have never been provided to students at undergraduate level. Therefore, students’ visitation to this unit initiated to specifically educate them and improve their awareness since knowledge about waste management will decide their practices. The study was then
conducted to understand knowledge and awareness limited only to waste and its management. A survey was done with a sample of 269 students visiting P2ST workshop from different faculties. A questionnaire consisted of both open-ended and close-ended questions were developed and pilot tested before given. The questionnaire consisted of two sections – first about personal information and second on their knowledge and awareness regarding waste system and management. Results showed that study participant had better awareness after visitation and become more conscious of composting, plastics waste recycling and reduction. Furthermore, a more practical implication related to the matter such as education about waste audits should be covered.