ASSESSMENT OF PROBLEMS IN FURNITURE WASTE MANAGEMENT: PROPOSING SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR SELECTED HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Abstract

Waste management has emerged as a significant issue in contemporary society due to its profound environmental consequences. Consequently, it has drawn considerable attention in various domains, such as plastic waste management, water waste management, and solid waste management. Nevertheless, the management of furniture waste is still in the process of gaining visibility. Furniture waste treatment currently relies only on conventional practices such as landfill disposal, incineration, and storage in both open and closed facilities. However, these procedures pose significant health risks and contribute to land occupation. This renders the furniture waste a burden on both the economy and the environment. These challenges give rise to durable and inventive answers. Due to the extensive infrastructure and student population, educational institutions produce a significant amount of furniture waste. This research paper seeks to implement sustainable furniture waste management uses in specific educational institutions by utilizing the principles of the 3Rs - Repurpose, Redesign, and Reutilize. Educational institutions have the potential to significantly influence the adoption of sustainable practices among students, staff, educators, parents, and the broader community. This study aims to measure the amount of furniture waste, analyze the problems faced by educational institution in managing furniture waste, providing sustainable solutions by creating products from furniture waste, and evaluate the efficacy of the proposed solution. This study employs an action-oriented research methodology, using purposive sampling and employing observation sheets, interview schedules, and content analysis as research instruments. The findings emphasize the significant volume and variety of furniture waste produced, as well as the problems encountered by educational institutions. The results indicate that implementing the 3Rs (repurpose, redesign and recycle) is a feasible and environmentally friendly method to decrease furniture waste in educational settings. The study seeks to enhance the advancement of inventive and enduring practices for managing furniture waste, applicable not just to educational institutions but also to other domains.