Awareness, Practice, and Problems on the Implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management: Basis for Development of an Intervention

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Humans produce large numbers of wastes due to their varied daily activities and the majority of these wastes are disposed of improperly. To manage the solid wastes and mitigate their negative effects, the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) by virtue of RA 9003 was implemented. In schools, the said program is vital to ensure an environment that is conducive to learning. However, observations show that many students of Gamut National High School are not genuinely implementing ESWM. Thus, the researcher decided to investigate the level of awareness, practices, and problems on the implementation of GNHS Ecological Solid Waste Management to improve students' perception.

METHODS

The study uses a descriptive-evaluative method which evaluates the perception of the respondents in the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management in Gamut National High School. The respondents of the study are the Grade 12 Students, General Academic Strand (GAS), of Gamut National High School for the S.Y. 2017-2018. The population of GAS students is 16 and it is the sample size.

RESULTS

The implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management by virtue of R.A. 9003 is one of the priority programs of theDepartment of Education to have an environment that is conducive to learning. To ensure proper implementation and to develop an awareness of students pertaining to the program is necessary. Most of the Grade 12 Students has moderate awareness of ESWM implementation. The respondents earned a total mean score in all the indicators interpreted as moderate. Notably, the students scored highest on "I am aware on how to segregate waste properly" and lowest on two indicators, "I am aware that there are biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable and special wastes". Although the level of awareness among the students is only moderate, it is notable that these students generally often observed the different practices on Ecological Management.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the result of the study, it is evident that further assessment of students is needed to determine all-encompassing understanding and awareness for waste management as several aspects of the ESWM implementation are being overlooked. Overall, Grade 12 students often encountered the following problems: lack of garbage bag, signage, and administrative and financial support thus, affecting the implementation of ESWM in Gamut National High School.