Managing Solid Waste at Isabela State University Cabagan (ISUC) Campus: Current Practices and Unfolding Opportunities

Abstract

Solid waste is a pressing environmental concern nowadays. Even academic institutions are not exempted on its associated problems. To this end, the practices and implementation schemes of ISUC in addressing the concerns on solid wastes were assessed. Through individual interviews, actual field observations/validations, and desk review of documents, several qualitative data were generated categorized, summarized and analyzed through content analysis. Results show that in so far as solid waste and its management is concern, the following key issues/concerns were identified: absence of an approved long-term SWM Plan; source of funding support for SWM programs; lack of manpower in implementing the SWM programs; no segregation/reduction of wastes at source; collection system needs to be revisited/changed; open burning and littering of wastes; recovery facilities need improvement; functionality of SWM equipment; and IEC campaign materials. In terms of SWM initiatives, the campus has existing institutional arrangements on dealing with solid wastes concerns. It also has various equipment and manpower to cater the needs for SWM. Source reduction and segregation-at-source are also given attention including collection system but not fully functional/operational. There are also existing recycling initiatives and marketing of recyclables/saleable materials. As to disposal, the special/hazardous wastes from laboratory and health offices are stored in the septic vault beside the campus’ Centralized Materials Recovery Facility. In addition, scientific studies were conducted vis-à-vis SWM. However, complementary activities need to be made in place which include: strengthening IEC campaigns; attendance to SWM capacity-building programs; and the adoption of a comprehensive campus-based SWM Framework