Perception of solid waste management and rate of accumulation in schools in Mati City, Mindanao island, Philippines

Abstract

Solid waste management is a perennial problem in the Philippines and this can be due to lack of information dissemination on proper waste disposal. This study assessed and compared the solid waste management practices of three technical and vocational colleges in Mati City, Davao Oriental. The study utilized a combination of semi-structured interviews (n=90), and actual field collection of solid wastes with weekly sampling for three months. Result of the survey on proper solid waste disposal showed high awareness of the students from the three schools (TS, CS and VS with 37%-67%). In addition, the prevailing perception on impacts of improper solid waste disposal are the following: diseases, pollution, floods, clogging of waterways and providing mosquitoes with breeding areas. Moreover, the respondents also perceived negative impacts on local economy of the improper solid waste disposal. All solid waste found in each institution were classified as either non-biodegradable or biodegradable. A large chunk of solid wastes was primarily plastic (45%) and paper (27%) in the three schools monitored. Based on the result of the field sampling, the non- biodegradable waste was significantly lesser in one of the schools (CS) compared to the other two schools (TS and VS; P=0.000). The results also revealed that the students were willing to pay for their shopping bags, but only if this cost less than Php 5.00 (1.0 U$ cent). Our study underscores the need to continue to conduct information and education campaign among students and youth for proper waste disposal inside school campuses and in immediate surrounding communities.