School Leaders' Awareness on the Implementation of Solid Waste Management Program: Basis in the Establishment of Eco-Centre

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Solid Waste Management Act enjoins all sectors to aggressively incorporate ecological waste management. In schools, it is implemented yet some factors are not given enough attention to achieve an institution which is environmentally compliant in management of wastes. It is observed that most of the schools have their own dumping site in the school vicinity, disregarding segregation rules and burn waste to reduce the mounting amount of combination of plastics, papers, cardboard, leaves and grasses. Thus, this study delved into the analysis of school leaders' awareness on the concepts, roles, health and environmental impact of solid waste management as well as the performance of public elementary schools in waste management which served as inputs to the proposed eco-center.

METHODS

Research data were generated through descriptive method with questionnaire as tool in determining the responses of 16 school heads and 16 teachers who were mostly 21 -30 years in service and were able to implement readings in waste management. Analysis of interview was also conducted to validate the results.

RESULTS

Data reveals that they basically thought of solid waste management as way of maintaining the cleanliness of the environment with collaboration of school stakeholders. They also perceived that their roles were on giving information, monitoring and guiding students and teachers in implementing waste management activities and concern with the impact of burning of waste to environment and unsanitary conditions brought about by litters in the campus. Schools performed very satisfactorily in the prevention of littering through the available waste bins and reduction of waste and had satisfactory performance in waste management planning, budgeting and recycling. Interview transcripts generated themes such as segregation as the main concept in waste management, teaching as their role and cleanliness as impact in managing waste properly

DISCUSSIONS

The results implied that teachers and school heads were extremely aware of the concepts, roles, and impact of waste management. School performed very satisfactorily in maintaining cleanliness but lack the post waste treatment activities which necessitates to unify all waste management concerns in schools. The study recommended an eco-center which shall serve as focal organization that will address waste bins maintenance, MRF and composting area operations, budgeting, and orientation to students.