Hanz Introduction

Introduction
As the economy rises, many countries have observed a dramatic increase in solid waste
generation over the past few years. This condition can be observed in both developed and
developing economies. In the Philippines, the increase in the volume of solid wastes can be
directly or indirectly associated with several factors. Among them is the proliferation of imported
low-cost consumer products with inexpensive or non-environment-friendly product packaging, a
gradual change in people's lifestyle and product consumption, and the increase in the supply of
disposable products in the local market. The combination of these factors translates into the
generation of loads of solid wastes, which, when not adequately managed, creates an impending
national problem.
Potential environmental and public health risks arise from how solid wastes are handled,
stored, collected, or disposed of (Zurbrugg 2002). For instance, the existing literature points to
the indiscriminate throwing of solid waste into the rivers or waterways as the primary source of
water pollution, which could indirectly cause an adverse depletion of freshwater resources. This
situation is vital considering that, at present, about 13 million Filipinos already lack water
sources that can provide improved drinking water (World Bank 2006). The related
environmental problem occurs when garbage is left on the streets or illegally dumped on vacant
lands resulting in massive flooding and clogging the creeks. In turn, this results in stagnant
water, which provides an open space for breeding insects bringing about fatal diseases like
cholera, diarrhea, influenza, and dengue.
On the other hand, burning garbage in the backyard releases toxic air pollutants, which
lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, or lung cancer (Bisesi & Koren 2002). With
the country's rate of solid waste generated, many harmful effects are seen. Not only in the
environment but also affect the well-being of the people. And it is assumed to continue or even
worsen in the future.
Daily, an average Filipino generates 0.3 and 0.5 kilograms of solid waste in rural and
urban areas, respectively. This amount is equivalent to an estimated 10 million tons of solid
waste produced in the country for a year (WHO 2005). From the total garbage collected
annually, a large bulk (23%) comes from the National Capital Region, while a significant
fraction (13%) comes from the Southern Tagalog Region (Garcia 2006). It is also interesting that
residential areas or households generate about half (50%) of these solid wastes.
Based on the recent Waste Analysis and Characterization Survey (ADB 2004), an
increasing variety of solid wastes is continuously generated from households which primarily
include food and other organics, and from other materials such as plastic, paper, metal, glass,
residuals, and particular hazardous types. Under the principle that "solid waste is a resource that
can be recovered" (RA 9003, ZWRMP 2005), the participation of households is of paramount
importance in managing the solid wastes they generate in the first place. An important
consideration in finding an appropriate solution to address the solid waste management problem
is understanding the characteristics of the solid waste generated. Additionally, the management
practices of the community and their attitude should also be studied to determine the relevant
salient features of the current solid waste management scheme, eventually determining their
degree of participation.
The City of San Fernando, La Union, in the Philippines, has a population of 115,000. It
has built a strong reputation as a dynamic city, putting forward strategies and policies that reflect
a progressive development plan in which improving sanitation has been a crucial pillar.
However, it has been noted that garbage collectors do not reach far-flung Barangays; hence there
is a problem with how these communities manage their solid wastes.
This research, therefore, will try to determine the solid waste management practices of
communities in far-flung barangays of San Fernando City. It will also elucidate whether these
practices conform to acceptable standards and whether other regional communities can adopt
them.

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Introduction

low-cost consumer products with inexpensive or non-environment-friendly product packaging, a

cholera, diarrhea, influenza, and dengue.

worsen in the future.

is a problem with how these communities manage their solid wastes.

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