Composting Unit Opens at OMU

Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) has taken another significant step toward its sustainability goals with the inauguration of its Composting Unit.

During the opening ceremony, attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, it was emphasized that the university has added yet another environmentally friendly initiative to its portfolio.

The event was also attended by Engineering Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu, Director of the Environmental Issues Application and Research Center (ÇEVSAM) Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Zero Waste and Climate Change Department Head Ali Tulumen, Branch Manager Elif Özcan, and Samsun Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Environmental Management and Supervision Branch Manager Yılmaz Köksal, along with institutional representatives, members of the Environmental Community, students, and academics.

"We Will Continue to Implement Environmentally Friendly Projects in Line with Our Zero Waste Policy"

Speaking at the inauguration, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın emphasized OMU’s commitment to becoming a green and sustainable university, stating:

“Through this project, we will contribute to environmental sustainability by recycling our organic waste. We will continue implementing environmentally friendly projects in line with our zero waste policy.”

Prof. Dr. Turan: "We Have Formalized Our Efforts with the Zero Waste Certificate"

ÇEVSAM Director Prof. Dr. Nurdan Gamze Turan highlighted that OMU established its Zero Waste Management System under the Zero Waste Regulation of July 12, 2019, obtaining the Basic Level Zero Waste Certificate on July 29, 2020. She emphasized that all waste is sorted at the source, with paper, plastic, glass, and metal being recycled through licensed firms.

"We Contribute to the Economy Through Waste Recycling"

Prof. Dr. Turan further explained that OMU has six Temporary Waste Storage Areas and one Waste Collection Center. Additionally, food waste is provided as nutrition for animal shelters through a protocol with Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, while licensed firms collect waste vegetable oils.

The Composting Unit will convert organic waste from the university's dining halls, cafeterias, parks, gardens, and animal feeding areas into compost. The resulting compost will be used in OMU’s landscaping projects, promoting a circular economy in waste management.

OMU’s Rising Rank in Sustainability Metrics

OMU continues to climb the GreenMetric World Rankings as part of its sustainability efforts. While the university ranked 519th in 2021, it has risen to 281st place as of 2024. Nationally, it has secured the 25th position, further solidifying its status as one of Türkiye’s most environmentally friendly universities.