Strengthening the ecological solid waste management project in the Central Luzon State University [Philippines]

Aganon et al. (CLSU) established a model solid waste management scheme to solve the problem of waste collection and disposal in the University. The project, carried out in two phases, implemented educational campaign and established a Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The researchers assessed the socioeconomic benefit of this project through focused group discussions among students and analysis of data generated from operating the MRF. Findings of the study revealed the following: Information and Education Campaign. A total of 3,061 individuals benefited from the orientation meetings and open forums on the importance of implementing RA 9003 known as the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. These activities were conducted for members of the academic council, dormitory and janitorial services staff, and officers of student organizations, commercial establishments, dormitory residents, and ambulant vendors. The participation of prominent personalities and advocates of Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) like Senator Loren Legarda and Dir. Lormelyn Claudio who were invited in a separate symposium enhanced the people's interest on waste management. Information flyers, brochures, posters, and placards distributed and placed in strategic areas raised the university's awareness on waste classification and sorting procedures and related information. Designation of area coordinators and qualified eco-police volunteers helped in monitoring violators. The creation of Solid Waste Management Committee in each college ensured the proper implementation of the project. Haulers and sweepers were trained on waste handling, collection, and disposal. Schedule of collections were implemented in consultation with all sectors. A manual on the code of conduct of discipline for students was amended to include provisions on littering, sorting, disposal, and burning. Containers were designed and placed in strategic locations for easy sorting of wastes at source. Material Recovery Facility. The facility housed biodegradable waste for processing into organic fertilizer and recyclable wastes for pick-up by junk operator. People were made aware of its usefulness and importance. The university organic fertilizer plant produced safe quality compost through efficient production and regular laboratory analysis. The raw materials used were vegetable trimmings, food leftovers, tree trimmings, fruit peelings, fish wastes, farm residues, and animal wastes. Organic fertilizers produced from the plant were sold to rice and vegetable growers. A shredding machine suitable for dry and wet biodegradable waste was manufactured in the university. Its capacity was 1t/hour and can be used 2-3 times a week. At 40% recovery, the MRF can produce 180 bags of fertilizer every month and 2,160 bags/year valued at P324,000. Socio-economic Benefits. Actual organic fertilizer produced was only 70 bags per month due to segregation and collection limitations. Even then, the computed gross income of P126,000 was able to subsidize the operation of the University's Ramon Magsaysay Center for Agricultural Resources and Environmental Studies (RMCARES) including its organic crop production researches. Likewise, the income from sales of waste papers and non-biodegradable, which ranged from P13,000 to P15,000 a year were used for the same purpose. Other benefits from the project included reduced littering, increased adoption of sorting, and reduced burning and open dump system of waste disposal. Waste characterization done in 2005 showed that waste was reduced by 30% through paper waste recycling, sale of plastic bottles, tin cans, glass bottles, and composting of biodegradable waste. Students said that the project was worth undertaking though it required discipline from students and university staff as well.