Solid Waste Management Practices of Higher Education

Abstract

This study determined the solid waste management practices of Higher Education Institutions in one region in the Philippines. It made use of a descriptive survey method, with a survey questionnaire as the data gathering tool, which underwent two validation stages. Frequency count, ranking, percentage, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were the statistical tools used to analyze the data. It found out that solid wastes disposed of by the students, faculty, administrative personnel and general services staff do not necessarily vary in terms of types and volumes of wastes. The tertiary schools employ segregation, reduction at source, recycling, composting and other wastes disposal practices like open dumpsite and use of landfill and burying waste “often”, but burning as a method of dissolving wastes is “seldom.” The “often” used measures and strategies to educate the academic community for proper solid wastes management. There was no significant difference between the private and public schools on the extent of use of the methods for solid wastes disposal, but there was a significant difference in the extent of use of a particular method of waste disposal depending on the classification of the respondents in the academe. The study established that types of waste disposal among tertiary schools in such a region do not vary. The types of wastes disposed of dictating the methods of collection and disposal and the volume of waste disposed of are relative to the type of work is tasked to do. It is the nature of work or status in the academe that creates a difference in the extent of use of the disposal method. School-based solid management programs do not significantly vary but are equally needing for more aggressive and consistent implementation.