As part of the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector’s efforts at Mansoura University to promote sustainable development and environmental preservation, an important meeting was held today, chaired by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, to discuss the "Recycling Within the University" initiative. This took place on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

Prof. Dr. Abdel Azim welcomed the attendees from the academic and executive leadership, including:

• Prof. Dr. Samah Khamis – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Early Childhood Education for Community Service Affairs

• Prof. Dr. Mahmoud Qassem – Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amr Gaber – Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture and Activities Coordinator for the Sector

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Reem Khairy – Vice Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts

• Dr. Ahmed Tharwat – Director of the Agricultural Engineering Unit

• Dr. Ahmed Sameh – Professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Director of the Industrial Support Unit

• Eng. Yasser Kamal – Director General of Engineering Affairs

• Eng. Otwan Ahmed – Director of the Gardens Department

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Azim conducted a thorough and professional discussion covering all aspects of the initiative, presenting a comprehensive and detailed vision on how to manage surplus and obsolete materials within the university. The key points discussed were as follows:

1️⃣ Risks of Accumulating Obsolete Materials and Surplus:

• Fire hazards

• Occupying large spaces within facilities

• Environmental and health damages

2️⃣ Collection Locations for Obsolete Materials and Surplus:

• Faculties and institutes

• Hospitals and medical centers

• Special-purpose units

3️⃣ Logistical Requirements for the Initiative:

• Utilizing carpentry workshops, metalwork shops, sculpture labs, and the plastic factory for recycling

4️⃣ Proposed Recycling Categories:

• Wood

• Metals (iron, aluminum, copper)

• Plastic

• Computer monitors

• Electrical appliances

• Paper

• Residual printing and writing tools

• Manufacturing waste and defective products

5️⃣ Recycling Mechanism:

• Inventory and stock assessment

• Reuse or safe disposal

• Improved storage management

• Staff training in handling surplus and obsolete items

6️⃣ Importance of the Initiative:

• Reducing operational costs

• Enhancing efficiency and management

• Minimizing environmental damage

• Increasing resources and profits through recycling

7️⃣ Timeline:

• A clear and detailed action plan was agreed upon to implement the initiative within the university

8️⃣ Formation of Working Teams:

• Teams to be formed from various faculties and sectors to support the implementation based on their areas of expertise

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Azim expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the attendees, valuing their efforts and roles in supporting the university’s goals in the fields of environment, sustainability, and community service.