Clean Campus, Responsible Minds: The Impact of a

Color-Coded Waste Segregation System on

Environmental Care and Student Discipline

Submitted by:
Bucal, Jezrylle L.

11 – STEM 2

Submitted to:
Ms. Princes Bual
11-EAPP
I. Introduction

Students faced the greatest issue at the University of Perpetual Help GMA which is the lack of proper
waste segregation due to insufficient trash bins in classrooms. Currently, each room has only one bin, forcing
students to dispose of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in the same trash bin. This lack of
separation, particularly during lunch hours, leads to improper waste management and a cluttered environment.
Furthermore, a dirty trash can close to the kitchen can lead to pollution. Improper disposal of food waste can
attract pests and spread bacteria to food preparation areas as well. This increases the risk of foodborne
illnesses and compromises the safety of food quality inside the campus. Additionally, many students do not
practice proper disposal habits during class hours. Wastes/Items such as candy wrappers, food cups, and water
bottles are often left scattered around the campus. This behavior not only reflects a lack of discipline but also
contributes to an unhealthy and dirty school environment. The consequences of this improper waste disposal
extend beyond visual pollution. When biodegradable waste, such as food scraps, is mixed with other
materials, it breaks down organic waste and creates spoilage within trash bins. This leads to the pile of filthy,
overflowing bins that emit an unpleasant smell and serve as breeding grounds for germs. These unsanitary
conditions create an unhealthy environment, preventing students from properly using the trash cans, and make
it uncomfortable for them to focus on their studies.

To address this issue, this study proposes installing color-coded trash bins around the campus; these
bins will replace the current single-bin system that will result in the clear separation of biodegradable, non-
biodegradable, and recyclable materials. Additionally, the creation of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on
campus should be implemented to provide a system for better recycling in the school. A dedicated compost
bin will also be placed in a designated area for organic waste such as leftover or unfinished food.

II. Purpose

The school University of Perpetual Help GMA, each room is typically equipped with a single trash
bin, and students are not required to segregate their waste into organic and non-organic materials. As a result,
all these trash bins quickly fill up with mixed waste, particularly in high working areas such as school canteen
where students eat and purchase meals. This lack of proper waste disposal leads to littering around the
campus, contributing to an unhealthy environment.

The purpose of this study is to implement a comprehensive waste management system across the
University of Perpetual Help GMA to make proper waste disposal accessible and straightforward for all
students. By introducing a clean and efficient waste segregation system, we aim to reduce the clutter and
unsanitary conditions, establishing a more hygienic campus environment. This also includes reducing the high
rates of germ contamination and infections that people can get from uncleaned trash bins and the lack of
proper waste segregation.

When the biodegradable didn’t fully get disposed properly, it can get spoiled, and in worst-case
scenario, this can be a breeding ground for bacteria and infectious disease. When this happens, people can get
contaminated, which will lead to students getting sick. Beyond improving cleanliness, this initiative seeks to
instill a sense of responsibility and discipline among students in managing their waste. By encouraging
mindful disposal practices, students will develop habits that promote respect for their surroundings and a
commitment to environmental care.

III. Project Description

It is proven that the study of overflowing, uncleaned trash bins can be breeding ground for insects,
bacteria, and vermin. Since the students are required to open the cover of the bin to dispose their waste, direct
handling of the bins will be done. And when people come in contact with this waste, it can result in health
risks such as skin infection, food poisoning, salmonella, and other major diseases or illnesses. The school of
the University of Perpetual Help GMA will need a green station. It includes the implementation of color-
coded bins in a designated area that make it easier for students to distinguish different types of waste. Which
include biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable material for Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) that
 will improve recycling rates around the campus. This will help all the students to have education regarding
managing waste so that they will have a proper discipline in disposing trash, whether it’s inside or outside of
the school.

IV. Goals and Objective

The goal of this concept paper is to improve waste management practices at the University of Perpetual Help
GMA by implementing a color-coded trash bin system that not only cleans the campus but also fosters student
discipline and responsibility. This initiative aims to create a healthier, safer, and more environmentally
conscious school environment. The specific objectives include:

- To enhance proper waste segregation across the campus, making a cleaner and healthier environment that
discourages littering and promotes cleanliness.

- To assess on how to minimized health risk that most of the students will be faced. By ensuring that organic, non-
organic waste, and recyclable materials are properly segregated, the risk of skin infection, contamination,
spreading of presence bacteria, spreading of germs from the spoilage of trash, and respiratory disease from the
trash bins that’s emitting unpleasant odor will be reduce.

- To spread environmental education. In which having a segregation project will build student discipline in properly
disposing their trash. This action will lead to fostering discipline in waste management that enlarge knowledge
even outside the campus and to daily life.

- To conduct a waste collection study or experiment. Waste collection studies that can measure contamination rates
and on how the location and color of the trash bins can have effects or influence in waste collection and separation
performance. The result of this experiment will show the effectiveness of implementing this project.

Research Question:

1. How can the implementation of a color-coded waste segregation system at the University of Perpetual
Help GMA improve student waste disposal behavior, promote environmental responsibility, and foster a
culture of discipline, ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier campus environment?
2. Does a clean and proper way segregation through color-coded bins reduce the risk of hazard and
spreading of bacteria around the campus?
3. Does having a color-coded trash bins improve waste collections and waste-sorting behaviors of the
students?
4. Does overflowing waste cause air pollution that can lead to having a respiratory disease?

V. Methodology

The study intends to gather both qualitative and quantitative data to evaluate the current waste
management practices around the campus. This study will need surveys and questionnaires that will be
distributed to the students and staff to assess current behaviors and discipline of waste segregation. The
inspection of trash bins will be implemented to experiment and measure the data of contamination rates to see
if they will be reduced or increased. While observing the difference between having color-coded bins and a
single-bin system that lacks preference in color of what significance impact this will take. Furthermore, the
study of types of waste will be implemented to know what kind of trash is being improperly disposed of.

All the gathered data will be used to compare pre-implementation and post-implementation after
several months of the execution of the said plan. This study will also conduct interviews with the target
audience about their insights and thoughts on having changes in waste management inside the campus.
Aftermath, this study will ensure that all the data gathered from the participants involved in the surveys,
 observations, and interviews will be fully informed of the research’s goal. All of the participant’s data and
information will be protected to maintain data privacy and security before, during, and after data collection
and will only be used for research purposes.

VI. Research Timeline

To be done Time
Research Title 1 week
Background Study 1 Week
Making surveys and questionnaires 1 Month
Observation of data/result 1 Month
Experiment the effects in health 5 Months
Interviewing respondents 3 Weeks
School permission to implementation 1 Month

VII. Benefits/Outcome

Once this study is implemented, the University of Perpetual Help GMA will have a cleaner and
healthier campus environment. With the installing of color-coded trash bins, students will be less exposed to
the risks of contamination and sickness that is caused by improper waste disposal. This project will not only
reduce the hazards from poorly maintained trash bins but this will also shape a proper discipline and a sense
of responsibility to the students. This action will encourage correct waste disposal habits, which can extend
even outside the campus and positively influence students’ actions in their everyday routines. Moreover, the
school will experience a transformation in its overall appearance and its atmosphere. The organized waste
management system will bring a greater aesthetical and environmental quality on the campus. Which is by
eliminating scattered trash and foul smells. Recycling will also become more efficient and accessible, since
the segregation of waste will simplify the collection and sorting process. This initiative will promote
sustainability and help the school contribute a positive impact to environmental preservation.

VIII. Support Needed

Total cost – P15,975.00

Photocopying Expenses 2,000

Garbage Bin 1,325
3 pieces 3,975
MRF Labor Cost 10,000
Total cost 15,975.00
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