Sustainability of the Implementation of Solid Waste Management: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the status of implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) in the Municipality of Candijay, Bohol, Philippines for the year 2015 and 2020 to find ways for the sustainability of the implementation of the Town’s Solid Waste Management. Wastes were collected monthly for one year from the five sampled barangays with 122 households. Field investigations, on-site waste measurements and characterizations were conducted. This is a mixed method employing QUANT-Qual approach. Descriptive statistics which include percentages, and weighted mean were used for the quantitative approach while narrative analysis for the qualitative was used. The results revealed that from the previous data of SWM implementation found out that the average biodegradable waste generated in the year 2015 which was 46.14 % decreased to 10.94 % as a result of home proper waste disposal. Likewise, the recyclable waste which had 27.27 %, the number decreased to 26.08 %. Since residual wastes should be collected, the collection increased to 59.85 % from 15.42 % due to acquisition of additional garbage trucks. For special waste, from 11.16 % previously collected, it decreased to 3.13 %. There was significant difference between the biodegradable, residual and special wastes. In the present SWM implementation, innovation played an important role in recycling waste materials. Shredded plastics and crashed glasses were converted into mixture to create concrete products. The shredded biodegradable wastes were converted into organic fertilizers. The produce out of these shredded materials were used to generate income which played an important role to sustain the solid waste implementation. Thusly, the level of implementation was already properly practiced. Solid Waste Management had employed organizational structure for implementation and dissemination of personnel’s function. Additional equipment and personnel were acquired. To sustain the proper SWM, recycling equipment, public awareness, funding, expertise of personnel, equipment and facilities, innovations and other provisions must be provided.