Incorporating sustainability in the management of university campuses is fundamental for the development of technologies and processes that lead to sustainable development. Thus, this article presents an optimization model, specifically a mathematical programming model, which allows the optimization of collection routes and the configuration of container sizes at each point of waste generation. The model considers the restriction of vehicle capacity and working hours, and also incorporates the separation of waste for recycling. Finally, a post-optimal sensitivity analysis is carried out to analyze the model in different scenarios, modifying some parameters of the model. As a result, an optimal waste collection route and a configuration of container sizes that minimizes costs were obtained. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.