Developing Innovative Machine Towards a Sustainable Waste Management in Alitagtag Senior High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Globally, students produce waste both inside the classroom and also on the school grounds. The enactment of RA 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act of 2000, provides for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes. With this matter, the researcher believes that there is a great need for the school waste management issue to be resolved immediately. She, therefore, proposed to develop an innovative machine that will encourage the students to actively participate in segregating bottles and other forms of waste in Alitagtag Senior High School.

METHODS

This is a quantitative study and the researcher employed a descriptive method of research. It was done through a survey questionnaire to determine the status of waste management in Alitagtag Senior High School relative to students' participation, waste segregation scheme, and schools' overall cleanliness. The number of respondents per section was computed through Slovin's formula. The hindrances/ barriers encountered by students in giving the school waste management were also identified.

RESULTS

The data gathered revealed that the Alitagtag Senior High School somehow provides waste management that is being implemented inside the school. However, the respondents emphasized the school's lack of equipment and facilities as well as the support from the school administrators and its stakeholders. The students' participation in such activities is also assessed as low by the students and the teachers. Students' interest in cleanliness and orderliness of school is not yet stimulated by the existing activities by the school based on the data.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results, the findings highlighted the importance of having an innovative and efficient waste segregation scheme to further maintain the school's overall cleanliness. The school also needs to inform the students regarding the proper waste management for it is believed to induce a sustainable and safe learning environment for them. The findings are also similar to the study of Baula (2010), where he stressed to stimulate the students' participation in the scholastic activities to effectively attain the objectives of the said activities.