Evaluation of urban solid waste segregation and collection scheme and stakeholder's role, perception and attitude on solid waste management

A survey of 250 waste generators, 50 from each of the five sites sampled in Metro Manila [Philippines] was done to determine their knowledge and practices of and their attitudes toward solid waste management. The respondents included household heads, market vendors, restaurant owners, and school canteen operators. Of the more than 13 types of solid waste generated in the households, the market, in restaurants, and in school canteens, plastics and food wastes topped the list in terms of frequency generated followed by papers and tin cans. Knowledge about solid waste management (SWM) is fairly high. Some three-fourths of the respondents have heard of SWM which, to the great majority of them is about waste segregation. Everyone knows what is biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and could also differentiate between the two through specific examples of each. A great majority also know what recyclable wastes are with plastics, carton, and papers as the most popular examples. However, only 45% of the respondents know local ordinances on SWM and the majority said the ordinances dealt with waste segregation. A much lower proportion have heard of the comprehensive Ecological Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003) and very few of this group could recall what the act is all about except to say that it deals with waste segregation. Some 76% of the respondents segregate waste mostly because of pressures particularly from the local ordinances. Segregation practice followed is simply by using separate containers without labels. Majority knows what is composting but only 14% said they do backyard composting. Those who do not do composting said they do not have the space for composting. Mode of disposing solid waste is by selling as done by 66%, giving away reported by 60%, recycling done by 48%, and by burning, done by 16%. Only 22% said they pay garbage collection fee which to the great majority of them is reasonable. Ask if they are willing to share in the cost of garbage collection, 75% of the respondents responded negatively to what they see as an additional expense of the household. The respondents generally have a positive attitude towards certain aspects of SWM. The great majority perceived their community's waste management program to be successful particularly if based on regularity of collection of waste. They also perceived the households to be playing a very important role in SWM especially in terms of being conscientious and disciplined in segregating their waste. For a successful waste management program, they expect their local officials to be playing proactive leadership roles and regularly monitoring all activities of all stakeholders.