Solid Waste Flux in Higher Education Institutions: A Systematic Review on Modeling Approaches

Abstract

With rising environmental concerns, effective Solid Waste Management (SWM) at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has emerged as a critical part of global sustainability efforts. These institutions are not only education and research environments, but they are also major generators of specific types of waste, requiring innovative SWM strategies. This review explores current SWM methods, focusing on the role of statistical modeling in helping to improve these strategies, due to their ability to identify trends in waste generation. Utilizing VOSviewer for a detailed bibliometric analysis, the study identifies current scenarios and strategies in this research area. The unique characteristics and resources of HEIs show the importance of designing specialized SWM models. A significant outcome is the importance of social elements; comprehensive surveys that may include demographic and socioeconomic data are important in establishing competent SWM programs. It suggests that these surveys can provide significant data about behavioral patterns that may affect SWM. These models can offer relevant information, allowing HEIs to successfully adjust their programs, making a significant contribution to campus sustainability and broader environmental goals.