This paper presents findings from investigating e-waste management practices within universities participating in the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Data from the UI GreenMetric waste management criteria and a dedicated e-waste campaign survey were analyzed to assess universities’ collection efforts, engagement with third-party services, and overall commitment to sustainable e-waste disposal. The findings reveal a diverse e-waste management practice among universities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve practices across institutions. Most universities collected 1–5 tons of e-waste, with notable variations in collection per population. Additionally, the duration of universities’ involvement in e-waste management varied, with some institutions demonstrating sustained commitment over a decade. Most universities engaged third-party services for e-waste management, indicating a widespread reliance on specialized expertise. Best practices were identified, including comprehensive data tracking and innovative approaches to e-waste disposal. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of universities’ role in addressing the global e-waste challenge through awareness campaigns, convenient collection methods, and partnerships with certified recyclers. These efforts contribute to environmental conservation and generate economic and social impact, aligning with sustainable development goals. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.