Lesson 3 - Solid Waste

• Solid Waste

  Any discarded, abandoned, or unused material that is not in a gaseous or liquid state. It can encompass a wide range of materials, including household items, industrial by-products, construction and demolition debris, agricultural waste, and more.
• Solid Waste Management


  The systematic control of the generation, collection, storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of solid waste in an environmentally sound and economically viable manner.
• Key components of solid waste management

  • Waste Generation
  • Waste Collection
  • Waste Segregation
  • Recycling
  • Composting
  • Waste Treatment
  • Sanitary Landfills
  • Waste Reduction and Minimization
  • Regulation and Enforcement
  • Public Awareness and Education
• Solid Waste Management

  Systematic control of the generation, collection, storage, transport, treatment, and disposal of solid waste in an environmentally sound and economically viable manner
• Primary goals of solid waste management

  • Reduce the adverse impacts of waste on the environment
  • Minimize health risks
  • Optimize resource recovery through recycling and other sustainable practices
• Waste management practices were relatively simple, with the disposal of waste in open areas or bodies of water

  Spanish colonial period
• Rapid urbanization and population growth led to increased generation of solid waste in urban areas. Disposal of waste in open dumps and water bodies continued to be a common practice, contributing to environmental degradation.

  Post-World War II
• Hasty industrialization led to increased solid waste challenges, worsened by inadequate infrastructure and a lack of comprehensive waste management strategies. Early regulations like the Solid Waste Management Act of 1976 were introduced, but limited funding and a culture of open dumping persisted.

  1970s-1980s
• Rise in awareness about environmental issues globally influenced the Philippines to adopt more sustainable waste management practices. Challenges remained, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and limited public awareness and participation.

  1980s-1990s
• Closure of some open dumpsites and the establishment of sanitary landfills. Challenges in waste management persisted due to insufficient funding, weak enforcement of regulations, and the need for improved waste segregation and recycling practices.

  1990-2000s
• Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 marked a significant step towards improving waste management in the Philippines. The law mandated local government units to implement sustainable waste management practices, including waste segregation at source and the establishment of materials recovery facilities.

  21st Century

  
• The Philippines continues to face challenges in solid waste management, including inadequate infrastructure, informal waste disposal, and the need for increased public awareness and participation. Ongoing efforts by the government, non-governmental organizations, and communities aim to address these challenges and promote more sustainable waste management practices.


  Current Situation

  
• The Philippines generates a significant amount of solid waste, and the volume continues to increase due to population growth, urbanization, and changing consumption patterns. Of the estimated 61,000 metric tons of solid waste generated daily in the Philippines (2023), up to 24% is plastic, of which the biggest source are packaging materials or SKUs (stock keeping units) of various Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCGs), plastic cutlery, and plastic bags.

  
• Proper waste segregation at the source is a crucial aspect of effective waste management. However, many areas in the Philippines still struggle with inadequate waste segregation practices, leading to difficulties in recycling and resource recovery.

  
• Insufficient infrastructure, including the lack of proper waste treatment and disposal facilities, positions a major challenge. Many localities still rely on open dumps or controlled dumps, which are environmentally harmful and pose health risks.
• Plastic pollution is a significant concern in the Philippines. Single-use plastics, in particular, contribute to environmental degradation and pose risks to ecosystems, including marine life.
• While there are laws and regulations in place, enforcement remains a challenge. Inconsistent implementation of waste management regulations at the local level hinders progress in achieving sustainable waste practices.
• There is a need for increased public awareness and education on the importance of waste reduction, proper waste disposal, and the benefits of recycling. Public participation is crucial for the success of any waste management program.
• Improper waste disposal, especially in coastal areas, contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases. Open dumping and burning of waste release methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.
• Adequate funding is crucial for the establishment and maintenance of proper waste management infrastructure. Limited financial resources at the local government level can impede progress in implementing effective waste management systems.
• The country's solid wastes typically contain more organic components than other materials. According to NSWMC, disposed waste is dominated by biodegradable waste with 52 percent, followed by recyclable waste which accounts for 28 percent and residuals at 18 percent.
• Common components of solid waste in the Philippines

  • Biodegradable Waste: Organic materials such as food waste, kitchen scraps, and yard trimmings
  • Non-Biodegradable Waste: Includes plastics, metals, glass, and other non-organic materials
  • Recyclable Materials: Paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals that can be recovered and recycled
  • Special Wastes: Hazardous and infectious waste that requires special handling and disposal

  
• Waste Transformation

  The process of converting waste materials into usable products through technological development and innovation techniques.
• Common transformations of waste

  • Recycling
  • Composting
  • Anaerobic Digestion
  • Incineration/Waste-to-Energy
  • Upcycling
  • Recovery of Materials
  • Landfill Gas Recovery
  • Pyrolysis
• Key aspects of solid waste management concerning public health and the environment in the Philippines

  • Disease Prevention
  • Water Quality Protection
  • Air Quality Management
  • Aesthetic and Recreational Values
  • Social Impacts
  • Climate Change Considerations
• Republic Act 9003
• Vector-Borne Diseases


  Improper disposal of solid waste can create breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rats. These vectors contribute to the spread of diseases like dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis.
• Airborne Diseases


  Open burning of waste and the release of pollutants from improperly managed landfills can contribute to respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Leachate Contamination


  Inadequate landfill management can lead to the production of leachate, a liquid that can contain harmful substances. If not properly controlled, leachate can contaminate groundwater and surface water, impacting drinking water sources and aquatic ecosystems.
• Marine Pollution


  Improper disposal of waste, especially plastics, in water bodies can contribute to marine pollution. This not only affects aquatic life but also poses risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
• Open Burning


  Uncontrolled burning of waste, a common practice in some areas, releases pollutants into the air, including particulate matter and toxic substances. This can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems for nearby communities.
• Tourism Impact


  Improper waste disposal and unsightly landfills can negatively impact the aesthetic appeal of tourist destinations, affecting the tourism industry and potentially harming local economies.
• Livelihoods


  Informal waste pickers often work in unsafe conditions, exposing themselves to health risks. Integrating waste pickers into formal waste management systems and providing proper protective equipment is essential for their well-being.
• Community Well-being


  Living near poorly managed dumpsites or open dumps can adversely affect the well-being of nearby communities due to environmental pollution and health hazards.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions


  The decomposition of organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Effective waste management, including methane capture and utilization, contributes to climate change mitigation.