Waste management in higher education institutions is generally a complex and multidisciplinary activity, which demands experienced managers. This work discusses the implementation of a Waste Management Plan based on Continuous Improvement Cycle at higher education institutions in developing countries. Proposed method is simpler than other iterative techniques as life cycle assessment, providing a higher probability of success for inexperienced managers, even in a scenario of financial resources scarcity. The results show three different scenarios: before implementation of the plan; after implementation of the plan; and after waste minimization awareness campaign. Percentages of recyclable material wasted were 60.0, 23.2, and 15.3, respectively. Paper was the most important generated waste in terms of quantities, and the percentages obtained were 50.5, 15.3, and 9.4, respectively. In addition, chemical waste and construction waste stored over many years could be managed. Environmental awareness aspects, difficulties found and the respective solutions are discussed as well. Proposed methodology is perfectly suitable for developing countries with high efficiency and low cost, leading to greener universities. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.147108118