Ecological Solid Waste Management in Suburban Municipalities: User Fees in Tuba, Philippines

Abstract

Using a participatory approach, this study looks at how a local government in the Philippines might organize and finance solid waste management to meet strict new national targets. Using a choice modelling approach, the researchers were able to see how people and companies value the attributes of various waste management services and how much they would be willing to pay for them. The attributes included frequency of waste collection and the methods used to take away the garbage. Based on survey results and an analysis of waste management costs, the study recommends the option with the lowest maintenance and operating costs and the highest cost recovery levels: once a week collection of residual waste by municipal workers with a garbage truck. Even with this option, however, user fees could only partially finance the costs of this service. Achieving the new national standards at even a minimum level would leave a suburban municipality with a funding gap of 2 million Philippine peso per year between costs and expected revenue from user fees.