Assessment of Liceo de Cagayan University’s Solid Waste Management System

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the solid waste management system of Liceo de Cagayan University as basis for the crafting of a solid waste management plan for the university. This study included all personnel of the different departments in the main campus of the university. The data were collected using a survey questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that the respondents were moderately aware that R.A. 9003 is known as “the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”; that solid wastes must be segregated according to their classification at source as “recyclables”, “non recyclables”, “compostable” and “special waste” and must be placed at the designated containers; and that a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) is required to avoid pollution that poses danger to public health and safety, wildlife, aquatic life, and vegetation. Moreover, the respondents were moderately receptive to the implementation of the solid waste management system that starts with waste characterization and waste composition to waste minimization through the use of substitute materials like metal spoon and fork instead of plastic and food tray or plates instead of styrofoam boxes. As found, the respondents’ level of awareness of R.A. 9003 and level of receptiveness to solid waste management differed significantly. The respondents in the non-academe had significantly higher level of awareness of R.A. 9003 and receptiveness to solid waste management than those in the academe.  Keywords - Solid waste management system, solid waste, R.A. 9003. Â