Waste Analysis and Characterization, Knowledge and Practices of Students at Isuc: Basis for Solid Waste Management Planning

Abstract

An e-learning is overtaking conventional classroom teaching The prevalent waste problem in the Campus has come up with a study on students’ knowledge and practices on Solid Waste Management (SWS)simultaneously with Waste Analysis and Characterization (WACS) and photo-documentation of the SWM.The survey employed cross-sectionaldesign and descriptive-correlational method. A WACS protocol by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (ENR-EMB) with slight modification was adopted. Results revealed that student-respondents have moderate to high level of knowledge on SWM (weighted mean=2.89-4.44).Generally, students are strongly responsible in their practices butarealso responsible in burning uncollected wastes (mean=2.20) and illegal dumping(mean=1.70). No significant difference was found on students’ extent of practices from various colleges (p-value=0.101123). Further, Spearman’s rho resultsrevealed weak correlation (coefficient=0.209) between students’ level of knowledge and extent ofSWM practices. WACS results show that majority (77.03%) of generated wastes is biodegradable,residual=12.31%, recyclable=10.49%, and special=0.17%. Residential generates the highest (14.38kg/day). Per capita waste generation is 0.012kg. Unfortunately, all generated wastes are being disposed. Moreover, waste diversion strategy is burning whilesaleable scraps are sold. Projected waste generationis expected to increase in the next 10 years (2019-2028, mean=60.153kg/yr). Photo-documented Campus initiatives include:Segregation and Reduction; Collection; Processing; Recycling; and Marketing of Saleable/Recyclables. Results reveal the necessity of adoption for the development of short-to-long termCampusESWMPlan and WACS Methodological Guidelines.