抄録
Printing is an integral part of all manufacturing, banking and other business, as well as public education and administration services. In the Philippines, the printing industry accounts for 6.2% of the total manufacturing establishments, with generated revenues worth P34.2 billion. However, a major drawback of this industry is the solid and liquid waste streams it generates and their negative impact to the environment. There is also a lack of awareness on the protection of workers' health from solvent emissions used during the process. Typically, the composition of waste streams from a printing press is complex, consisting of dyes, pigments, binders, and cleaning solvents. It is highly colored and often contaminated with organics and heavy metals. Therefore, it is not recommended to directly dispose the wastes into receiving streams without treatment. But currently, there are no clear guidelines or best management practices established for waste disposal and pollution prevention in the Philippines printing industry. The proposed study surveys the current waste disposal practices and awareness of owners and workers on the composition of waste streams. The data will be used to propose possible treatment and recycling pathways that the industry can adopt to reduce environmental impacts and encourage sustainability.
