Ecological solid waste management act (RA 9003) at the university of the Philippine Diliman, school of economics: waste segregation attitudes and behavior
Date
2010-03-29
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Abstract
This study seeks to determine the key factors that affect the probability that students in the UP School of Economics (UPSE) segregate their trash. Based on RA 9003, institutions such as universities are required to actively promote this type of recycling behavior. Waste segregation is one way by which college campuses can contribute to decreasing their solid waste streams, thereby reducing overall trash disposed. After conducting a two-day waste audit of Jose Encarnacion Hall, it was found that the most common types of recyclables thrown-out by students include PET bottles, aluminum, pyrostyrene, and plastic. The trash receptacles that are most used by students are those found outside the tambayans and classrooms. Through probit regression and the interpretation of survey data, we identified significant factors that positively influence segregation behavior. These include the use of signage, color-coding, increasing available information, and providing accessibility and convenience to students.
From this data, a framework for a segregation program for the Academic Year 2010 to 2011 in the UPSE was proposed. Funding and leadership of the initiative was found to be effective through the UP School of Economics Student Council. Moreover, the benefits of such a program greatly outweigh the costs of additional segregation infrastructure such as bins and the like. These benefits include the monetary value received from the resale of recyclable items and the time saved from engaging in manual segregation.
The program would involve all the key stakeholders- students, faculty, administration, and staff. Performance measures and other standard procedures and guidelines will also be developed to ensure sustainability of the program.
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Keywords
Solid waste management, RA 9003, Waste segregation, Waste segregation behavior, Solid waste, Ecological solid waste