Mechanisms for a viable and manageable biowaste reuse chain in Metro Manila [Philippines]

The current desired scenarios for the biowaste reuse chain in Metro Manila [Philippines] are characterized quantitatively in terms of five major parameters, biowaste segregation as source and separate collection, volume of biowaste delivered for treatment, cost recovery, product quality, and product utilization. A rating of 0% to 100% is assigned to each of the indicators, with the highest score being indicative of an efficient and effective biowaste reuse. The 'what-is' scenario reveals that there is much to be desired at present in terms of segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and their subsequent separate collection as shown by the low rating of 33% computed for this parameter. The volume of biowaste delivered into the materials recovery facilities for processing into compost relative to the total biowaste generated is only about 5%. Cost recovery in the production of compost is computed at 48%, suggesting that composting ventures are not presently financially viable. The value attributed for compost product quality is estimated at 71%, reflective of a quality below the compost standard in the country. On the other hand, compost utilization by farmers is roughly only 22%. Assuming full technical, socioeconomic and political support are provided, the 'what-ought-to-be' scenario is envisioned to improve segregation of biowaste at source and its separate collection to 50%, and to increase the amount of biowaste brought to the composting plants by as much as 20%. Improvement in product cost recovery is targeted at 70%, while product quality enhancement is project at full 100%. Product application, on the other hand, is expected to be more widespread, up to 40% from its present rating. The desired scenario is expected to be realized in a given time frame of three years provided the appropriate measures and mechanisms are set in place. Among those considered in order to attain a viable and manageable biowaste reuse chain in Metro Manila area as follows. Current laws and regulations should be strictly implemented particularly with regards to waste segregation and volume reduction, collection, transport and handling of solid wastes; inventory of markets for composts; power to collect SWM fees, and enforcement of fines and penalties to violators. To enhance cost recovery in general, there is a need to charge fees for the waste generated and to use exclusively revenues from these charges for SWM activities. Clustering of barangays [villages] is recommended to take advantage of economies of scale. Compost quality should also be improved so that it can command a higher market price and appropriate market linkages between producers and end-users should be established. Technical improvements and biowaste collection and transport, composting, and storage must be done to make compost product more competitive. These include the designing of push carts or dump trucks with separate compartment, the minimal use of sawmill or coco coir dust as additive to biowaste, co-composting with animal manure and the use of alternative inoculants. Linkages with international organizations should be explored for possible financial, technical and capability building assistance on SWM. Extension and communication will play a decisive role in addressing not only the problem of lack of information and technical know-how but more significantly in changing the generally negative attitude and behavior of concerned stakeholders on SWM. Two activities will be employed in this regard: the formal education (FE) activities and the non-formal education (NFE) activities. The former will deal with formal educational system targeting the public elementary and secondary level curicula. The latter, on the other hand, will develop activities that will harness the full potential of government extension organization under the local government units in collaboration with appropriate NGOs and people's organizations. As far as chain management is concerned, the private sector is envisioned to play a more role in the SWM in the community.