Managing pollution in three selected secondary fiber-based Philippine paper mills

The three selected paper mills are located in the town of San Pedro, Laguna and in the cities of Marikina and Quezon [Philippines], each representing a small-scale (less than 20,000 metric tons per year, MTPY), medium scale (21,000-50,000 MTPY), and a large-scale (above 50,000 MTPY) paper mill, respectively. It was found that each paper mill had its own waste management program that combines "end-of-pipe" treatment technologies with waste minimization and pollution prevention practices. The large-scale mill is the only mill among the three that is located in an industrial zone. It has a written corporate environmental policy that states the mill's commitment to improving environmental performance. Among its pollution management strategies is the adoption of the zero effluent discharge approach that involves reducing waste generation at source and recycling of the mill-generated wastewater treatment sludge. The company also provides additional cash incentives to employees who contribute to the attainment of its environmental objectives. Both the employees and the surrounding community recognize the efforts of the mill in managing pollution as they consider the mill to be non-polluting and environment-friendly. But despite the mill's relative success, the employees are not content that the mill's waste management program is adequate to improve or protect the quality of the environment. Both the medium and small-scale mills are located in residential areas. They do not have a written corporate environmental policy. Their pollution management strategy is merely compliance-driven. They strive to meet government requirements and have installed their own wastewater treatment facilities. However, both the community and the employees are not impressed by the mill's pollution management efforts. The community residents attribute their health problems and deteriorating environment to pollutants from the mill's air and liquid discharges. The waste management practices of both mills are considered inadequate in protecting and improving the quality of the environment. The mill's choice of pollution control measures depend upon land availability, cost of equipment, ability of the equipment to treat wastewater or achieve desired discharge limits, and operating costs. The adoption of a holistic environmental managment program is hampered by lack of commitment and support from top management and consequently, by financial limitations