PHILIPPINE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT The Philippines generates about 10,000 million tons of solid waste per yearand only 12 percent of the waste is recycled and re-used. The single most dominant issue for solid waste management (SWM) is the inadequacy of disposal facilities. Presently, open dumping is still the most common waste disposal method as controlled dumpsites and sanitary landfills (SLFs) are very limited. The opportunities presented by this serious environmental problem to suppliers of solid waste management products and equipment are enormous. The potential, however, is tempered by inadequate funds and technical capability, lack of political will and other problems. Despite the limitations, the market for SWM is still expected to grow five percent in the next three years. The major end-users of SWM products and equipment are the local government units and their private contractors as well as private proponents of SWM projects. The equipment cost and the source of project funding are major purchase considerations of end-users. Overview Solid waste is an environmental problem that has reached critical proportions in the Philippines. Due to a growing population, rapidly increasing consumption and increasing urbanization, waste generated in the Philippines is estimated at 19,700 tons per day. Projections show that waste generation will increase 47 percent by 2010, or 28,875 tons per day. SWM is the responsibility of local government units (LGUs), i.e., barangays (the smallest political unit composed of 50-100 families), municipalities, cities and provincial governments. There are 41,392 barangays, 1502 municipalities, 116 cities and 71 provinces nationwide. The barangay is responsible for the segregation of waste at source, collection of biodegradable and recyclable components and setting up of a materials recovery facility (MRF). There are about 976 MRFs nationwide. The municipality or city governments are responsible for the collection and disposal of residual nonbiodegradable and hazardous waste, except in Metro Manila where disposal is within the mandate of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) was signed into law in January 2000 to address the gargantuan solid waste problem of the Philippines. It espouses the reuse, recovery and recycling of MSW, with special emphasis on composting, as opposed to outright disposal. RA 9003 set February 2004 as the deadline for shifting from open to controlled dumping. By February 2006, the law states About 215 sites have been identified as potential SLFs. The failure of LGUs to close open dumps and establish the proper disposal facilities is now subject to lawsuits. there are only four SLFs (Clark Ecozone in Tarlac. These other types of disposal facilities will have direct impact on the types of SWM products and equipment that will be demanded by LGUs and their contractors or partners. only 12 percent of MSW is recycled or reused. In addition. Palawan) in the country. Cebu City in the Visayas. using only rotary or mechanical drums or perforated membranes using aerobic method. Negros Oriental and Puerto Princesa City. a food. many LGUs are pushing for more composting and recycling activities. and the recycling plant for packaging . the government entity tasked to oversee the implementation of solid waste management plans. the private sector may help by putting up production processes and technologies that prevent and minimize waste generated as well as efficiently treating and disposing all unavoidable waste products.). About 50 percent of the country’s solid waste is highly organic (biodegradable) and recyclable. composting and recycling have great potential. may release information on types of disposal facilities other than SLF that LGUs may operate by December 2005. the law contains minimum requirements for designing SLFs as well as minimum considerations for operating SLFs. Composting activities in barangays are rather crude. huge capital outlay requirements and insufficient funds. lack of political will. There are still about 734 open dumpsites nationwide. Thus. Since the establishment of dumps and landfills is costly. Disregard for solid waste disposal regulations and laws. These include the PET recycling projects of San Miguel Corporation. If this will impel them to seriously implement RA 9003. To date. RA 9003 promotes recycling. RA 9003 does not specify what type of disposal facility should be operated when the controlled dumpsites are phased out. While the LGUs have the primary responsibility in SWM. The effect of these lawsuits on LGUs should be closely monitored. etc. potential disposal sites are difficult to find due to public resistance to hosting facilities for storage. processing. insufficient number or inappropriate collection vehicles. Bais. beverage and packaging corporation. then the demand for SWM products and equipment will increase tremendously. There are a few private entities with recycling projects. There are reports that the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC). At the current rate of implementation. treatment and final disposal of MSW. inability to reach households or collection stations and limited storage at transfer points are among the problems. lengthy and bureaucratic processes (permits. In contrast. February 2004 has long passed but only about 126 LGUs had implemented the conversion of open dumps into controlled disposal facilities. However.2 that controlled dumpsites will be deemed closed and phased out. inadequate technical capacity. LGUs’ full compliance with the law is difficult to achieve. environmental clearance certificate. storage. creating the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives declaring certain acts prohibited and providing penalties. wastes can cause serious heath problems to everyone. transport. Solid waste refers to all discarded household and commercial waste. C) Set guidelines and targets for solid waste avoidance and volume reduction through source reduction and waste minimization measures. storage. a group of foam polystyrene producers. transfer. green charcoal process. RA 9003 provides for a systematic and comprehensive Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) program for all sectors of society to adopt and implement. ESWM refers to the systematic administration of activities which provide for segregation at sources." the Bureau in its statement. nonhazardous institutional and industrial waste. a dirty environment defeats the aesthetic potential of our surrounding. "The unsystematic disposal and collection of our wastes have posed a tough job for our government. re-use. "This is an Act providing for ESWM program. including composting. B) Utilize environmentally sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resources conservation and recovery. treatment and disposal inappropriate and environmentally sound solid waste management facilities in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles. segregated transportation. RA 9003 In the light of growing garbage problem in the country. recycling. construction debris. we have come to accumulate more wastes than we can manage to dispose of properly. street sweepings. Left unmanaged and improperly disposed." The basic policies of RA 9003: A) Ensure the protection of public health and environment. recovery.3 materials of the Polystyrene Packaging Council of the Philippines. and others. In return. With the modernization of society. Republic Act (RA) 9003 also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 was enacted by the Philippine Government. Moreover. appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes. agricultural waste and non-hazardous/non-toxic solid waste. treatment and disposal of solid waste through the formulation and adoption of the best . processing treatment and disposal of solid waste and all other waste management activities which do not harm the environment. collection. before collection. D) Ensure the proper segregation. and composting activities Open dumpsites shall not be allowed as disposal sites. Promote national research and development programs for improved solid waste management and resource conservation techniques. Mandatory Segregation of solid wastes. Its main components are. The Commission shall be composed of 14 members from the government sector and 3 members from the private sector. MRF is considered as the heart and soul of ecological waste management.4 environmental practices in ecological waste management excluding incineration. The MRF center has also a choice of which method or methods to use. Eco shed or warehouse where clean recyclable are stored to be sold to the factories. and. a mandatory provision of Republic act 9003. Encourage greater private sector participation in solid waste management Retain primary enforcement and responsibility of solid waste management with local government units while establishing a cooperative effort among the national government. it is important place because this is where marketable products out of waste are stored. separation and recovery. other local government units (LGUs). Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among waste generators through the application of market-based instruments. Article 4 Section 32 provided the establishment of LGU MRF may it be barangay owned. Institutionalize public participation in the development and the implementation of national and local integrated. not a dumpsite. The MRF is a place where wastes are either made into compost and/or recycled. comprehensive and ecological waste management programs. and Strengthen the integration of ecological solid waste management and resource conservation and recovery topics into the academic curricula of formal and non-formal education in order to promote environmental awareness among the citizenry. more effective institutional arrangement and indigenous and improved methods of waste reduction. non-government organizations and the private sector. Ecology garden. . a composting site. establishment of LGU's Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay or cluster of barangays. the LGU shall divert at least 25 percent of all solid wastes from waste disposal facilities through reuse. leased land or any suitable open space which shall be designed to receive. In essence. recycling. sort. E) F) G) H) I) J) A National Solid Waste Management Commission was established as provided by RA 9003 to oversee the implementation of SWM plans and prescribe policies to achieve objectives of this Act. each LGU's Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Plan must include implementation schedule which shows that within 5 years after this Act takes effect. collection. 1) Engineeringappropriate processing equipment sand design and technically viable and environmentally sound recycling and reuse process. Paper and cardboard.ph/static/ilo/2005/12/11/news/environment. In Metro Manila alone there was reportedly around 5.5 kg per person being generated daily. 2) Education-effective promotion.8 percent of solid waste being collected. adequate information on LGU profile and waste characterization for effective planning and projections.presents.ra. information and education campaign for segregation. Leather and rubber. There is 29. Glass.7 kg a day. there are more than 800 open dumps in the country but only a hundred were controlled. http://www. collection and compliance to ordinances. 3) Enforcement-Ordinances with IRR that will enable and empower enforcers and implementers.3 to about 0.5 process and store compostable and recyclable material efficiently and in an environmentally sound manner. While for areas outside Metro Manila.900 tons of garbage or 0.sunstar. while those in rural areas generate 0.5) Equity-financially viable management and operation from production to marketing. the waste generation rate ranges from 0.5 kg per person a day. It is estimated that garbage dumps increases at two percent per year. plastic and petroleum products.3 kg per person a day. textiles. 4) Environmental Organization supportive ESWM Board and LGU.90 03.html . movement. A successful MRF has five key elements ESWM which are. The facility shall address considerations such as the building and/or land lay out and equipment must be designed to accommodate efficient and safe materials processing. Reportedly. availability of support and start-up fund. Residents of urban centers produce between 0. Metals.com.5 and 0. and storage and building must be designed to allow efficient and safe external access and to accommodate internal flow. . Quezon City with a total land area of 16. the most populated of which are Commonwealth. collection can become the most expensive function of SWM. working to keep streets.June 2002) EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND Solid waste. If not given careful consideration. Adopt a cost-effective. as well as managing the storage. most particularly in the aspect of environment. the policies and strategies. economics. recovery/processing. aesthetics and other environmental considerations. collection. Solid Waste Management (SWM).173 million.2%. are formulated by the City in the following manner: • • • Get the government and the governed to work together to maintain a clean and green environment. Implement a "total approach" in environmental cleanliness. has the highest population in Metro Manila (May 2000) with an average annual growth rate of 1. SWM system has six elements: solid waste generation. refers to an integrated approach of controlling the generation. collection and disposal. is non-liquid waste material arising from domestic trade. engineering. landscape maintenance and the clearing of debris brought about by typhoons. The audit focused on SWM collection which is the hardest among the six mentioned elements. commercial. Payatas and Batasan Hills. To achieve this. transfer. The uncollected solid wastes piling up in the streets of commercial and residential areas of Metro Manila has been the subject of media documentaries. transfer and transport. storage. conservation. which is responsive to public needs.6 Government-wide Performance Audit Report on Solid Waste Collection System of the Quezon City Government (January 2001 . parks and water ways debris-free. It also includes solid wastes arising from the conduct of public services such as street sweeping.112 hectares and a total population of 2. It is composed of 142 barangays. according to internationally accepted definition. processing and disposal of solid wastes in a manner that is in accord with the best principles of public health. "accountable" collection system (following the "clean city" contract). industrial and mining activities. on the other hand. The Quezon City Government aims for a quality management in providing basic services to the City's constituents and the public. instill discipline and "clean city practices" through the deployment of environmental police. and of solid wastes volume reduction through segregation. reporting and billing. Clearly. the City launched the following support programs: • • • • • • Environmental Enforcement and Inspection. institutions like schools. The Quezon City Government envisions itself to be a model of effective governance and responsible leadership working in partnership with the citizenry in building a quality community. Creating a climate conducive to business and productivity. government offices. Project Basura: Hiwa-hiwalay na. Computerizing solid waste collection system including dispatching. Pollution Control. Strengthening enforcement of existing laws/ordinances pertaining to solid waste management and pushing for the review and enactment of ordinances geared towards the improvement of SWM in the City. the Quezon City Government is contracting collection and disposal of solid wastes by "package clean-up" system where the contractor is given the full responsibility to . among others. To achieve the vision of being the cleanest in Metro Manila. NGOs and private sectors. Laws/Ordinances on Solid Wastes. Side by side with its solid waste collection efforts.7 • While there is a law (newly enacted Republic Act 9003) on solid wastes management. and Reviewing existing solid wastes fees for commercial and industrial establishments to conform with the volume and type of solid wastes generated and to look into the possibility of imposing solid waste fees to households. and Creating a climate for good government and social responsibility. Developing and implementing a collection system for inaccessible and high refuse generating areas and areas located along esteros and waterways. and "Six O’Clock na Bayan" Project. markets. At present. the City plans to increase the level of efficiency in solid wastes collection through the following strategies: • • • • • • • • Continuous updating of existing cells/routes to include new areas which have not been covered by solid waste collection before. study and pursue creative ways of solid waste disposal and recovery. recycling and composting. Developing and implementing a comprehensive solid wastes reduction program which will entail the participation not only of the City Government but also all major stakeholders like communities. Hydrometallurgical Extraction (Hydromex) Technology. This includes new subdivisions. Raising the capability of the City on solid wastes management thru the conversion of the Task Force Clean and Green into a regular department and the continuous implementation of human resource development training. the purpose of government and the ultimate benchmarks by which the City will measure its success is realized by: • • • Improving the quality of life of the people of Quezon City. Integrating all units/offices performing functions related to solid waste collection and beautification to maximize utilization of equipment and manpower and to ensure that there will be a balanced distribution of services. The total budget of the EPWMD for 2002 was P668. and Cost measures. Effective quality assurance processes. Appropriate resources. there are also employees detailed from the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) who act as enforcers and from the Community Relations Office (CRO) who monitor the accomplishments of street sweepers. churches and streets. The team performed the following audit procedures: • • • • • Reviewed the existing policies and procedures of the City in the selection of contractors and monitoring their performance. alleys. AUDIT SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY The audit focused on SWM operations covering January 2001 to June 2002 of ten Cities and Municipalities within Metro Manila including Quezon City. commercial establishments.000. schools.8 manage/administer and directly carry out actual collection. vacant public lots or designated collection points within the area of assignment. of which P600. The City entered into contract with five garbage contractors in the total amount of P541. consisting of 93 contractual personnel. giving consideration to: • • Selection of contractors. Conducted ocular inspection of facilities used in solid wastes collection function. In addition. cleaning and disposal services. Reviewed selected contracts and evaluated the selection process. The performance of the Cities/Municipalities on SWM was evaluated using the following criteria: • • • • • Established policies and procedures. including the process of estimating solid wastes generation. and Monitoring of contractor’s performance. . markets.28 covering the period July 2002 to June 2003.098.656.131.170. These include households. institutions like offices. Interviewed personnel assigned in SWM. cleaning and disposal of solid wastes from various sources. Sound management and monitoring mechanisms. SWM is being implemented by the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) of the City. Reviewed records maintained in monitoring the performance of contractors. AUDIT OBJECTIVE To determine whether the Quezon City Government has undertaken solid wastes collection function in the most efficient and economical manner.000 was earmarked for contracting out solid wastes collection. these were not strictly followed. Overall. 2002. While the City was able to formulate guidelines in the selection and awarding of contracts. MANAGEMENT’S REACTION TO AUDIT OBSERVATIONS The team discussed the audit observations with the City Mayor and concerned City officials on November 5. the City has not efficiently and economically carried out the SWM function through the satisfactory selection of contractors and monitoring their performance in the collection of solid wastes.9 • • Assessed the risk management processes in place. summarized. contractor’s non-compliance with the requirements of the contract could not be detected. Their comments were incorporated in the report where appropriate. As SWM is a continuing activity of the City and mishandling of this function would have a great impact on the environment and health of the citizens. and analyzed the survey questionnaires on SWM distributed to selected barangay officials and residents. This was aggravated by absence of monitoring strategies and lack of monitors and facilities to monitor contractor’s performance. . 2002-021 dated July 18. Hence. for 2002. the City is not assured that the lists of equipment submitted were totally committed to the City. the City is considering additional household population equivalent to 20% of the total population to cover non-resident employees and students working and studying within the City's premises. The team did not consider this population as this is deemed offset by the City's residents who were also studying and working outside the City's premises. 2002. The less than satisfactory performance of the City on SWM operation can also be attributed to its failure to establish SWM Board to oversee and coordinate the implementation of SWM operation. the bidders’ current and present commitments with other LGUs and private entities were not required to be submitted. these are inadequate as there were no parameters set to assess their performance. solid wastes generated by daytime population are concentrated in establishments where they are working or in restaurants or shops which have different factors.585 kg. These resulted in awarding of contracts to contractors with deficient resources leaving uncollected wastes in some areas. AUDIT CONCLUSION Generally. Moreover. and Administered. The audit was conducted from August 8 to September 6. The team also noted that the factor used by the City in estimating solid wastes generation of . Moreover. 2002 pursuant to COA Assignment Order No. the City should seriously consider addressing these concerns. This raises concerns on the accuracy of the estimated figures which were used as the basis of contracting costs. Besides. while the City had established standards to measure the efficiency of contractors.552 kg. the City acknowledged the team's observations. per person was a little higher than the factor set under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study which is . Moreover. As a result. with its regular collection thrice a week along secondary roads and daily at all primary roads. owner or other responsible officer shall serve the penalty of imprisonment. which has become a common practice to get rid of uncollected garbage in spite of the existing laws against the dumping of rubbish. a penalty of P1. known as "Iwas Siga Ordinance of 2011" is intended to encourage the QC residents stop the habit of dumping and burning trash that they fail to dispose during the scheduled collections. partner.10 Quezon City Prohibits Open Burning of Garbage Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista signed into a law. P2. 000 and/or six months to one year of imprisonment. its manager. and P5. 000 will be imposed for a first offense. . Although the city government continuously provides its constituents with efficient waste garbage collection and disposal. trash or any other refuse materials. The measure has tasked the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) to deputize the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committees (BSWMC) in monitoring the progress of the implementation of the new ordinance. Some residents are not aware of the health hazards brought about by the smoke from a burning pile of trash. proprietor. The BSWMCs shall serve a warning notice to the first time violators within a grace period of one month. After the grace period. Ordinance No. depending on the discretion of the court. The ordinance authors are optimistic that avoiding the practice of burning trash will help minimize pollution and protect the health and safety of others. an ordinance prohibiting QC residents from burning their garbage. it is necessary that the city government must act to make them aware of the effects of pollution. and what it can do to the body and the environment. for third offense. If the offender is a juridical person. 2022 S-2011. 000 for the second offense. Mayor Bautista said that it is about time for the city government to encourage the community dwellers to be part of the city's bid to protect the environment. caused by burning garbage. to meet a balance and healthful ecology that will benefit all QC residents.