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Ecological Solid Waste Management

Solid waste management refers to the supervised handling of waste material from generation at
the source through the recovery processes to disposal.

Much had been written about the worsening problem of solid waste especially in urban centers
in the country.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 192, EMB is also mandated to provide research and laboratory
services, and secretariat services to the Pollution Adjudication Board and the National Solid Waste
Management Commissions. The EMB is committed to pursue programs and projects that are in line with
the ENR thrusts under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, which is to improve
environmental quality for a cleaner and healthier environment. In order to provide the communities
with a healthier environment, the Bureau will continue to pursue a strong agenda of environmental
reform, manage wastes and contribute to the enhancement of the development process thru
formulation of new laws and policy frameworks.

Based on studies made by the National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat based
at the Environmental Management Board (EMB), it is estimated that the per capita waste production
daily is 0.5 kg. This means that for every person living in the metropolis he or she generates half kilo of
waste a day. With and estimated population of 10.5 million, total waste generated in Metro Manila
alone could run up to 5,250 metric tons per day or 162,750 metric tons per month or 1.95 million metric
tons per year. Definitely that’s a lot of waste to speak of.

Only about 73% of the 5,250 metric tons of waste generated daily are collected by dump trucks
hired by our respective local government units. That is assuming our LGUs are faithful to their duties to
us, taxpayers. The remaining 27% of our daily waste or about 1,417.5 metric tons end up in canals,
vacant spaces, street corners, market places, rivers, and other places where, ironically, there’s a sign
that reads “huwag magtapon ng basura ditto and mahuli, bugbog sarado”.

That explains why WE need to act. As apart of the problem, because we produce garbage
ourselves, we can also be part of the solution by reducing our contribution to the waste problem.

Because at the rate we are producing waste, we will soon find ourselves buried in our own
trash. Or, shall we say, we will soon be having more of or human-made mountains of garbage amidst
us?

The tragedy that has befell the residents of Payatas dump site in Quezon City, when it’s
mountain of garbage slid down, burying in its course not a few garbage pickers, should strengthen our
resolve to do something an=bout our wasteful lifestyles.

Second, talks about landfill, as an alternative engineering solution to the garbage problem for
the so-called residual waste, is fine. But where to site the landfill is another thing. For years,
negotiations for landfill for Metro Manila’s garbage had elicited not only long debates among our
political leaders but also emotional outburst from prospective host communities.

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Perhaps the most important reason why we have to act now on the worsening solid waste
problem is their impact o human health. Health is a basic human right. We all deserve to live in a
cleaner environment. We all desire for a healthy family, a healthy neighborhood, a healthy nations.
And, the only way to satisfy these desires is to do away with garbage that breeds flies, roaches and
harmful bacteria that can spread disease in our human and in our communities.

While there were already efforts in the past to address the problem head-on the passage of
Republic Act R.A. No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000’.
Marked the turning point in the national development agenda for improved solid waste management
and resource conservation.

1. What is R.A. No. 9003?

Improper solid waste disposal is probably the most important environmental concern
facing local government. This is particularly true in the Philippines (World Bank, 2001) In
response to a garbage crisis, the first bill that then Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
signed into law in 2001 was Republic Act No. 9003 (R.A. 9003) or the Ecological Solid Waste
Management (ECOSWAM) Act which requires municipalities to dispose of waste in a sanitary
and environmentally friendly manner.

The act created the National Solid Waste Management (SWM) Commission and
prescribed the establishment of an SWM in each local government unit (LGUs) and the
formulation of ten year local ECOSWAM plans. The act prescribed that the LGUs shall be
primarily responsible for the implementation of ECOSWAM services. It authorizes the local
SWM based to impose fees on the SWM services that the LGU or any authorized organization
provides and pool these fees into a solid waste management funds.

Republic Act No. 9003 provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic,
comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of
public health and the environment. It underscores, among other things, the need to create the
necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, as well as imposes penalties for act in
violations of any of its provisions.

The implementing rules and regulation of R.A. No. 9003 are contained in DENR
Administrative Order No. 2001-34.

2. What are the Salient features of R.A. No. 9003?

a. Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the National
Ecology Center (NEC) and the Solid Waste Management Board in every province, city and
municipality in the country. The NSWMC shall be responsible in te formulation of the
National Solid Waste Management Framework and other policies on solid waste, in
overseeing the implementation of solid waste management plans, and the management of
the solid waste management fund. The NEC, on the other hand, shall be responsible for
consulting, information, training, and networking services relative to the implementation of
R.A. No 9003. The SWM Board of provinces, cities and municipalities shall be responsible for
the development of their respective solid waste management plans;

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b. Formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework: 10-years solid

management plans by LGUs consistent with the NSWM;
c. Mandatory segregation of solid waste to be conducted primarily at the source such as
household, institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources;
d. Setting of minimum requirements to ensure systematic collection and transport of wastes
and the proper protection of the health of garbage collectors;
e. Establishment of reclamation programs and buy-back centers for recyclable and toxic
materials;
f. Promotion of eco-labeling in local products and services;
g. Prohibition of non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging;
h. There shall be establish a Material Recovery Facilities (MRF) in every barangay. It shall
receive waste for final sorting according to its type for composting and recycling. It shall be
designed to receive, sort, process and store compostable and recyclable material efficiently
and in environmentally sound manner;
i. Prohibition against the use of open dumps;
j. Setting of guidelines/criteria for the establishment of controlled dumps and sanitary
landfills;
k. Provisions of rewards, incentives both fiscal and non-fiscal financial assistance, grants and
the like to encourage LGUs and the general public to undertake effective solid waste
management; and
l. Promotion of research on solid waste management and environmental education in the
formal and informal sectors.

3. How can we help solve the solid waste problem?

There are many ways to do it. A highly recommended formula is to adopt the 3Rs of
Ecological Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

In addition to that, let us refrain from doing what have been prohibited under the law,
to include but are not limited to the following:
a. Littering, throwing, dumping of waste materials in public places like roads, sidewalks, canals,
esteros, parks and establishments;
b. Open burning of solid waste;
c. Allowing the collection of non segregated or unsorted waste;
d. Squatting in open dumps and landfills;
e. Open dumping or burying of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in flood prone
areas;
f. Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons;
g. Mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box,
container or receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal;
h. Manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials;
i. Establishment or operation of open dumps; and
j. Importations of consumer products packaged in non environmentally acceptable materials.

Classification of Solid Waste

Table 1: Sources and Types of Solid Waste

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SOURCE FACILITY TYPE OF WASTE

Domestic Single, family, dwelling, multi- Food, paper, packaging, glass,
family, dwelling, low, medium metals, ashes, bulky household
and high rise apartments waste, hazardous household
waste
Commercial Shops, restaurants, markets, Food, paper, packaging, glass,
office buildings, hotels and metals, ashes, bulky household
motels, institutions waste, hazardous household
waste
Industrial Fabrication, light and heavy Industrial process waste, metals,
manufacturing refineries, lumbers, plastic, oils, hazardous
chemical plants, mining, power waste
generation
Consumption and Demolition Solid, concrete, timber, steel,
plastic, glass, vegetation
Agricultural Waste Pesticides, farm wastes

Table 2: Physical Composition of solid Waste

General Composition Typical Composition Detailed Composition
Food putrescible Food vegetables
Paper and cardboard Paper, cardboard
Polyethelyne tenephitalate (PETE)
High density Polyethelyne (HDPE)
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Plastic
Organic Low density polyethelyne (LDPE)
Polypropelene (PS)
Other multi-player plastic
Clothing fabric Textiles, carpets, rubber, leather
Yard waste Garden trimmings
Wood Wood
Metals Tin cans, ferrous, metals, aluminum,
non-ferrous metals
Inorganic Glass Colorless, colored
Dirt, ash etc. Dirt screening ashes, stone, bricks
Unclassified Bulky items

Table 3: Refuse Materials by Kinds, Composition and Sources

KIND COMPOSITION SOURCES

Garbage Waste from preparation, cooking and serving of Households, restaurants,
food, market wastes from handling, storage and institutions, stores and
sale of produce markets
Rubbish Combustible papers, cartons, boxes, wood base Households, restaurants,

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branches, yard trimmings, wood, furniture, institutions, stores and

beddings markets
Non-combustible: metals, tin cans, metal furniture,
dirt glass minerals
Ashes Residue from fires used for cooking and heating Households, restaurants,
and from on-site incineration institutions, stores and
markets
Street refuse Sweeping, dirt, leaves, catch basin dirt, contents of Streets, sidewalk, alleys
litter receptacles
Dead animals Cats, dogs, horses, cows Streets, sidewalks, alleys
Industrial waste Food processing waste, boiler house, cinders, Factories, power plants
lumbers scrap, metal scraps, shaving
Construction waste Scrap lumber, pipe, construction materials New construction,
remodeling

Hazardous Waste

These are solid wastes or a combination of solid waste which identify concentration or physical,
chemical or infectious characteristics may do the following:
1. Cause or significantly contribute to the increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible
or incapacitating reversible illness; and
2. Cause a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when
improperly treated, stored or transported.

Hazardous Waste Management

A comprehensive and integrated management of toxic substances and hazardous wastes which
adheres to the waste management hierarchy of source, reduction, recycling, treatment and safe
disposal for the protection of personnel, environment and property.

Four Characteristics of Hazardous Wastes

1. Ignitable – the substance causes or enhances fires

2. Corrosive – the substance destroys tissues or metals
3. Reactive – the substance reacts with others and may explode
4. Toxic – the substance is a danger to health, water, food and air

The Three Main Goals of Hazardous Waste Management

1. Protection of the environment

2. Improvement of public public health
3. Conservation of energy

Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM)

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It is the selection of combinations of techniques, technologies and management programs to

achieve waste management objectives.

Hierarchy of ISWM

Source: Reduction and Minimization

Recycling and Reuse

Transformation

Landfill

Zero Waste Management

Zero Waste Management is an ecological method of handling wastes

that does not degrade the environment nor pollute air, water, soil and
facilitate their sanitary retrieval, reuse or recycling. This is one of the most
friendly, economical tool of contributing ecological welfare for human beings
and the community.

Modern waste reduction consists of three (3) components namely:

1. Reuse. Means re-utilization of materials for particular purpose.
2. Reduce. The process of lessening the fresh raw materials that affects air, water and land
pollution through proper waste waste disposal.
3. Recycling. Involves processing used, unwanted materials (waste) into new products to prevent
waste of potentially useful materials.

It involves processing used, unwanted (waste into new products to prevent waste potentially useful
materials, reduce the consumption of fresh new materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution
(from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for “conventional” waste
disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key
component of modern waste reduction an is the third component of the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”
waste hierarchy.

Air Pollution Awareness and Prevention

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This section discusses the nature, types, sources and effects of air pollution. It gives the general
status of air pollution in the country, and summarizes the salient features of the Clean Air Act and
suggest ways by which to prevent pollution.

Stationary sources of air pollution are factories, crematorium, incinerators, power plants,
garbage dumps, and construction sites. These emit particulates, nitrates, sulfur oxides and ammonia.
They contribute 88% of the total airborne sulfur oxides and 68% of nitrogen oxides.

Accumulation in the atmosphere of gases from industrial solvents such as nitrous oxides and
carbon tetrachlorides and carbon dioxide from burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have possible
effects on climate and human health.

Antropogenic sources of air pollution have been increasing vehicles the ply the road of Metro
Manila are smoke belchers.

Among the different air pollutants, six “criteria” pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide,
lead, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulates determine air quality standards.

Ozone is the major ingredients in smog. In the stratosphere it occurs naturally and acts as a
filtering mechanism for the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun but in the lower atmosphere comprise
what mainly we see as grey smog suspended on air. Ozone is formed by a series of complex reactions
involving nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and sunlight. Smog or ground level ozone may
cause lung inflammation, decreased ability to breathe and susceptibility to respiratory diseases such as
pneumonia, bronchitis, fibrosis and premature lung aging. Children are susceptible to ozone exposure.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, odorless gas produced during fossil fuel or biomass burning. Carbon
monoxide exposure can block oxygen to the brain and cause poor concentration, fatigue and death.

Lead is one of the most toxic substances. Lead in gasoline remain by far the single largest source
of lead exposure in urban areas and poses the greatest threat to the public. A special hazard for young
children, several studies have shown that been exposures can significantly reduce the IQ of school aged
children. It has also been associated with aggressive behavior, delinquency and attention diseases in
boys between 7-11 years old. In adults, lead exposure has been related to increased blood pressure and
hypertension. In a six month study in 1992, lead dust reached an average of 3.3 micrograms per cubic
meter. Controlling the high lead pollution levels in our ambient air should thus be given top priority.

Sulfur dioxide is a gas. It is invisible and has a nasty, sharp smell, it reacts easily with other
substances to form harmful compounds, such as sulfuric acid, sulfurous acid and sulfate particles.

About 99% of the sulfur dioxide in air comes from human sources. The main source of sulfur
dioxide in the air is industrial activity that processes materials that contain sulfur, e.g. the generation of
electricity from coal, oil or gas that contains sulfur. Some mineral ores also contain sulfur, and sulfur
dioxide is released when they are processed. In addition, industrial activities that burn fossil fuels
containing sulfur can be important sources of sulfur dioxide.

Sulfur dioxide affects human health when it is breathed in. It irritates the nose, throat, and
airways to cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or a tight feeling around the chest. The

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effects of sulfur dioxide are felt very quickly and most people would feel the worst symptoms in 10 to 15
minutes after breathing it in.

Those most at risk od developing problems if they are exposed to sulfur dioxide are people with
asthma or similar conditions.

Nitrogen oxides are gases pollution produces from high temperature combustion in the air. It
can cause respiratory ailments like asthma and eye irritations. They are also an active ingredient in the
formation of smog.

Particulates are minute, microscope particles suspended in the air. They range in size 10 to less
than 2.5 microns in diameter. Annual average TSP (Total suspended particulates) concentrations in
Metro Manila are 5x higher that the World Health organization Air Quality guidelines. Particulates of
the coarse and fine varieties are so small that they can enter deepest regions of the lungs where they
can enter the bloodstream or become trapped in the lung tissue. Continuous exposure to particulate
can induce wheezing, chest pain, coughing and phlegm, as well as more severe diseases like pneumonia,
bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and cardiovascular diseases. Air pollution is the presence of substance
in the air in amounts harmful to humans, other animals and/or plants. There are over 100 identified air
pollutants.

The main categories of pollutants are:

1. Particulates are very fine solids, collectively referred to as total suspended particulates (TSP);
2. Carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen and sulfur;
3. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs); and
4. Ozone

These substances are associated mostly with fossil-fuel burning. Particulates are unburned
hydrocarbons and soot of carbon. They result from incomplete burning of fuels. So does carbon
monoxide. VOCs are benzene and other aromatics that are formed from the production of
gasoline in order to improve as performance as fuel for vehicles. Ozone is formed from the
reaction of VOCs and nitrogen oxides (NOs). Oxide of sulfur are released because sulfur is
naturally found in petroleum and coal. Oxides of nitrogen are released as the high temperature
of combustion catalyzes reaction between the nitrogen in the fuel and air oxygen of the air.

Sources of Air Pollution

1. Mobile Sources. There are 3.9 million vehicles registered in the whole country. Around 80% use
gasoline and 30% use diesel. Only a small percentage of Filipinos own cars, 20% in Metro
Manila. The rest take public transportation.
2. Stationary Sources. Stationary sources that account for most of the air pollution are emissions
from power plants, cement plants and oil refineries.

Effects of Air Pollution from Fossil Fuels

Sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulates matter and soot irritates the mucous membranes of the
respiratory system. If irritation is prolonged, it can lead to respiratory disease – persistent cough,

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emphysema, asthma, and other allergies, and worse, cancer. Carbon monoxide is hazardous because it
bonds strongly with hemoglobin of the blood, replacing oxygen. As a result, the tissues and organs of
the body are deprived of the vital gas, oxygen. Ozone causes a range of acute effects including eyes,
nose and throat irritation. It also impairs respiratory functions. Ozone is a highly oxidizing gas that
causes damage to materials so do sulfuric and nitric acid from sulfur and nitrogen oxide, respectively.

Benzene the most toxic VOC is highly linked to leukemia. It is also an agent in ozone formation.

Another by-product of combustion of carbonaceous fuels is carbon dioxide. It does not directly
harm people or other organisms and is thus not a pollutant in the usual sense of the word. However,
too much of it in the atmosphere destroys ecological balance.

Increased temperatures will negatively affect agriculture, ecology of microorganisms and thus
incidence of diseases.

The Philippine is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change and has
ratified the Kyoto Protocol. Under the latter, all signatory countries are committed to exert all efforts to
lower their greenhouse gas emissions. The Protocol invokes a special commitment from developed
countries to reduce their emissions to 5% less than their 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The
Protocol will go into effect when it is ratified by 55 countries which should include developed countries
responsible for 55% of the emissions worldwide.

Another class of substances that must be regulated is what is collectively known as

Chlorofluocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are unreactive for mattresses, Styrofoam and insulation.

A group of substances that are common in our everyday lives but extremely toxic are known as
persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These are either human-made substances or products of
combustions or other processes undergone by human-made products.
Radioactivity is the most lethal form of pollutants because it can readily destroy cells and
tissues. No more nuclear radiation should be introduced into our environment in addition to that which
naturally occurs in the background environment.

Radioactive emissions come from nuclear power plant even in routine operations.

The Clean Air Act of 1999

1. Principles which state the over-all mandate of the State

2. Recognition of rights of citizens which the State shall guarantee
3. The noteworthy features of the Air Quality Management Systems are the provisions regarding
airsheds and non attainment areas
4. The Act gives an initial list of hazardous air pollutants and guidelines for ambient air quality
5. Prohibition and regulations of other substances
a. Ozone-depleting substances. Consistent with the Montreal Protocol of which the
Philippines is a signatory. ODS shall be phased out.
b. Flourinated Greenhouse Gases identified in Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations
Frameworks on Climate Change

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c. Framework convention on Climate Change, the DENR shall prepare a plan to to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.

The formulation of the Philippine Strategy on Climate Change Adaptions builds on existing
institutional processes but gives strong emphasis on collaboration among national agencies, the
legislative branch, the academy, business and civil society.

Eight technical working groups were organized to tackle needs and concerns in eight major
sectors. Agriculture, Biodiversity, Coastal and Marine, Forestry, Water, Health, Energy and
Infrastructure.
a. Persistent Organic Pollutants. The DENR shall prepare an inventory of POPs in the country and a
program for elimination of these substances. The Philippine ratified the Stockholm Convention
on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on February 27, 2004. Since POPs covered by that
Stockholm convention span pesticide, chemicals, industrial chemicals as well as unintentional
by-products, the adoption of the Convention in most countries usually involves multiple
agencies. The Philippines is no exception.
b. Radioactive Substances. The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, DENR and related agencies
shall regulate all projects that involve release of radioactive substances.
c. Pollution from Smoking. Smoking in any enclosed public space including public vehicles and
private spaces outside of one’s residence is strictly prohibited. This probation shall be
implemented by the LGU.
d. Leaded Gasoline. The manufacture, importation, sale, disposal of leaded gasoline and engines
and components requiring leaded-gasoline is prohibited. In 2014, the country finally enforces
the law.

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