Industry-Driven Approaches to Teaching Waste Management: Designing Effective Educational Activities

This article examines the integration of industry-driven activities within undergraduate and postgraduate waste management courses. The study underscores the value of practical educational activities that incorporate both real-world examples and industry-standard approaches to enhance student comprehension and engagement in real-world waste management challenges. The "industry-driven" approach in this context refers to the use of learning activities based on real-world industry examples and the application of the waste management hierarchy as a structured framework for problem-solving. By incorporating these elements, the curriculum aims to equip students with critical thinking skills necessary for identifying waste reduction opportunities, prioritizing sustainable strategies, and effectively addressing waste management issues. The methodology includes implementing online games, assignments, and practical activities into Solid and Hazardous Waste Management courses, with data on student participation and assessment outcomes collected over three years. The observations suggest increased student interest and a deeper understanding of waste management concepts, indicating that such industry-driven approaches significantly enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skill development essential for tackling real-world waste management issues.