Plastic waste management continues to pose a significant challenge in the Philippines, often overlooked even within the controlled environment of educational institutions where waste management is supposed to be practiced. The persistence of improper waste disposal and segregation reflects a widespread lack of awareness among the population. This problem increases environmental degradation and affects the average Filipino. The study examines plastic waste management practices in the seven (7) cafeteria concessionaires of Adamson University, Manila, Philippines. This research aims to assess and improve plastic waste management practices, focusing on vendors’ awareness and engagement. The researchers used a descriptive correlational method to collect data from Adamson University’s cafeteria concessionaires. Our findings highlight a notable discrepancy between awareness and adherence. The result revealed a high level of awareness regarding sustainable waste management practices among respondents. However, a significant gap between awareness and adherence was identified, particularly in areas of waste reduction and utilization, this understanding often failed to translate into practice. This gap aligns with the previous research on Filipino college students’ waste management behaviors, key issues include inadequate waste segregation and recycling initiatives, suggesting systemic issues in the need for more comprehensive sustainable waste management policies. This research emphasizes the need for Adamson University’s Cafeteria to move beyond simply raising awareness about sustainability and actively integrate it into the university’s culture and daily operations. The research holds importance as it has the ability to address the gap between awareness of environmental issues and action in educational institutions. By concentrating on the university cafeteria as a small-scale food business, this study highlights the role that higher education plays in encouraging responsible environmental behavior and provides insights that can be applied to a larger community. Adamson University’s cafeteria is aware of the fundamentals of sustainable waste management, the cafeteria still needs to put more thorough and useful plans into practice. By implementing the recommended strategies given as an output, the university may lower its plastic waste and set an example for other university institutions. Lastly, this study demonstrates how academic institutions may take the lead in reducing plastic trash in the community at large as well as on campus.