Republic of the Philippines

BATANGAS STATE UNIVERSITY

The National Engineering University
College of Accountancy, Business, Economics and International
Hospitality Management

Pablo Borbon Campus

Rizal Avenue Extension, Batangas City

Factors that Lead to Poor Waste Management and Disposal of Lipeños

SEMESTRAL PROJECT

IN GEd 102 – MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Bachelor of Science in Accountancy

Submitted by:

GROUP 3

Claveria, Christian Angelo H.

Cornejo, Rechel M.

Cuevas, Kristina Cassandra P.

Submitted to:

Asst. Prof. AMELIA D. COMIA

December 2022
I. THE PROBLEM

BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM

Solid waste management is a challenge for the cities’ authorities in developing countries
mainly due to the increasing generation of waste, the burden posed on the municipal budget
because of the high costs associated to its management, the lack of understanding over a
diversity of factors that affect the different stages of waste management and linkages necessary
to enable the entire handling system functioning. Now, it has become more and more difficult to
safely manage the tremendous amount of waste produced by urban societies, as cities
throughout the world continue to grow.

When considering various functional elements, waste management may be

conceptualized as the discipline associated with the identification, reduction, storage, collection,
transfer and transport, reuse and recycling and effective treatment and disposal of wastes in a
manner that is in accordance with the best principles of management, economics, engineering,
public health, conservation, aesthetics and other environmental conditions, including all
administrative, financial, legal, planning and engineering functions involved in the whole
spectrum of solutions to the problem of waste. This involves interdisciplinary relationships
among various fields such as management, sociology, political science, geography, city and
regional planning, demography, public health, conservation, ecology, environmental sciences,
material science, engineering etc. (Sushil, 1989).

Furthermore, according to Downs and Acevedo (2019), “humans are generating too
much trash and cannot deal with it sustainably.” In fact, Lipa city generates about 56 metric tons
(mt) per day of domestic solid wastes coming from the households, commercial establishments,
industries, and hospitals (dry non-infectious waste) Of these, only about one-third (20.5 mt) is
being collected by Lipa City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City-ENRO) and
dumped to a 1.5-hectare open dumpsite located in barangay San Isidro. The major sources of
solid wastes are domestic (households), industries, commercial establishments particularly the
city market and agricultural producers and some hospitals. The City Government of Lipa, along
with the Lipeños, has been doing their best to get rid and eradicate the tons of waste that is
scattering in the city and look for an effective solution to lessen the garbage for there are not
enough dumpsite or public garbage disposals in the City.

Waste problems in cities include the increasing difficulty of acquiring new land areas for
disposal, the generation of pollution from processing and disposal of waste, disposal caused
resources depletion and the huge cost involved in waste processing. Urban waste problems are
not confined just to cities themselves; they also greatly affect peripheral regions as the demand
for disposal spills over into a wider area (Inoguchi, et al., 1999).

1
 Thus, this study will identify the factors that lead to poor waste management of Lipeños.
The researchers want this study to be beneficial for the Lipeños, along with the environment and
the society, in having a deeper understanding and awareness on proper waste management
and disposal. The findings will provide ideas and help Lipeños in formulating strategies and
solutions on how to improve the overall ecology between the target community, Lipa City, and
the environment. The result of this research will be of great help to the Lipeños, environment
and society.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The reason of the researcher in conducting this study is because the researcher herself
perceives that the residents in the City of Lipa have been performing improper public garbage
disposal through the past few years and there is not enough dumpsite for the waste of the
residents of Lipa. With these in mind, it is the researcher’s mission to provide real life solutions
to real life problems by giving awareness to the people through this research to improve their
quality of life. This study aims to identify the factors that lead to poor waste management and
disposal of Lipeños. Specifically, this research will answer the following questions:

1. Determine the factors that lead to poor waste management and disposal of Lipeños in
terms of:

1.1 Public Awareness

1.2 Methods of Disposal

1.3 Availability of Landfill Sites

1.4 Collection System

2. How do the respondents assess their poor waste management behavior?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the factors and the student's assessment?

4. What actions can Lipeños use in improving their waste management and disposal?

2
II. LITERATURE REVIEW

In research from Yoada (2014), many households’ produced solid waste consists mostly
of food debris and plastics that are disposed of without proper segregation and primarily stored
in uncovered plastic containers. Despite the appropriate disposal of waste at communal sites,
indiscriminate dumping is undeniably present. There are still communities that dump their waste
to any available space such as gutters, holes, streets, and bushes. The methods of disposal of
the communities plays an important role in management of waste in the community. It
contributes largely to the community they belong to and how it would affect their place.

According to an online article, one of the major causes of poor waste management is the
lack of public awareness. Many people often think that when something is not anymore useful to
them, it should be discarded without proper management. There are some things that might not
be useful to them but can be recycled or used to serve other purposes. Without proper
awareness of the effects of proper waste management and disposal, the environment and the
people will greatly be affected. Some people will not know the importance of the appropriate
waste management and disposal can bring (Greenbank, 2020).

Furthermore, regularity of waste collection is significant practice in having appropriate

solid waste management. When the collection of waste is not followed as it is supposed to be, it
creates many problems that lead to waste accumulation, hence generating a bad stench. In
addition, it constitutes threats to households that generate more waste on a regular basis. It is
found that households that give tips to the waste collectors, get their bins emptied more often
than those who do not. The tips given to the waste collectors serves as an encouragement for
them to collect their waste on a regular basis (Fagariba, 2016).

Additionally, According to Ogawa (2005), there are several constraints that affect waste
management: technical constraints which are about the lack of human resources, especially
technical expertise, and also the lack of research and development activities regarding waste
management. Communities usually do not have a stable and sufficient fund for development of
a sustainable solid waste management system. Social aspect also takes part in constraining
waste management. Collaborative projects from the government to encourage communities to
take part in developing waste management often fail because usually there are not enough
people to take part in the project and the incentive is too small.

Another major constraint seen throughout the Communities According to Bolaane (2006)
is the lack of education, lack of public awareness, and social involvement. Public awareness
and attitudes to waste influence the people’s willingness to cooperate and participate in
adequate waste management practice. One study found that even though citizens were aware
of recycling and other sustainable waste-management techniques, this does not necessarily
translate into participation in pro-environmental activities such as recycling initiatives. They
appear to have not embraced waste management reforms amid their limited knowledge of such
activities.

3
III. METHODOLOGY

Respondents of the Study

The study describes factors that lead to poor waste management and disposal of
Lipeños. Thus, the researchers of this study will utilize 50 random residents of Lipa City,
Batangas who will represent the population.

Data to be Collected

This study will be undertaken to determine the Factors that Leads to Poor Waste
Management and Disposal of Lipeños. The researchers will utilize the descriptive-quantitative
as their research design since the main goal of this study is to answer the question ‘what are the
factors that lead to poor waste management and disposal of Lipeños’. This method will be used
to generate information based on the evaluation of the respondents. This type of research
design focuses on present conditions and its purpose is to find new truth. Furthermore, the
researchers considered this method as most suitable because it is justified through statistical
treatment.

Dr. Aggarwal (2008) states that descriptive research is devoted to the gathering of
information about prevailing conditions or situations for the purpose of description and
interpretation. Descriptive studies are aimed at finding out "what is," so observational and
survey methods are frequently used to collect descriptive data (Borg & Gall, 1989). This type of
research method is not simply amassing and tabulating facts, but includes proper analysis,
interpretation, comparisons, identification of trend and relations. Moreover, descriptive studies
can yield rich data that lead to important recommendations (Galloway, 1992).

Methods of Data Collection

A self-constructed questionnaire which was an effective instrument in obtaining the

objectives of the study will be utilized by the researchers to gather data.

The research respondents will be asked to choose their preferred response by clicking
the number option based on their personal thought along the given area.

Data Gathering Instrument

The researchers' primary data collection tool will be the researcher-made online survey
and questionnaires. This instrument is the most effective towards gathering the information
needed in interpreting, analyzing and obtaining data for this study.

The research instrument has two parts: the profile of respondents and the survey and
questionnaire proper. The survey and questionnaire form gathers data on the perception of
respondents about waste management and disposal in terms of public awareness, methods of
disposal, availability of landfill sites and collection system. Respondents will answer the items of

4
the instrument using a four-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly
agree).

In tallying the data obtained from the respondents, the researchers will then use the
four-point Likert scale below.

Scale Numerical Rating Verbal Interpretation

4 3.25 - 4.00 Strongly Agree

3 2.50 - 3.24 Agree

2 1.75 - 2.49 Disagree

1 1.00 - 1.74 Strongly Disagree

The researchers will then submit the generated data gathering instrument to the
teachers for validation and approval.

Data Gathering Procedures

After the instrument's validation from the teachers, the researchers will then prepare the
questionnaire using online medium, particularly the Google Forms. This form will include
questions that will provide the necessary information for this study. The researchers will then
ask for the consent and time of the selected 50 residents of Lipa City, Batangas. Upon receiving
consent, the researchers will then distribute the forms and explain the objective of the study to
the selected respondents. After the retrieval of the accomplished questionnaires, researchers
will be gathering the responses and the data will be reviewed, evaluated, and analyzed in order
to come up with effective and rational conclusions and recommendations.

Method of Analyses / Statistical Treatment

To provide answers to specific questions, presented at the beginning of this study, the
data to be collected will then be subjected to the following statistical treatment:

Weighted Mean. This will be used to comprehend and assess the knowledge of the
residents of Lipa City, Batangas on the factors that lead to poor waste management and
disposal.

Pearson’s R. This will be used to comprehend and assess the knowledge of the
residents of Lipa City, Batangas on the factors that lead to poor waste management and
disposal.

5
IV. DISCUSSION OF HOW PROJECT PROPOSAL CAN ADDRESS THE IDENTIFIED
PROBLEM / SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT PROPOSAL

Due to inadequate public garbage disposal of Lipeños, tons of trash and garbage are
piled up on the streets, causing nuisance to people. Also, Lipeños have a bad practice in
disposal of waste causing a major problem in the City of Lipa, not only in the environment but
also in the health and lives of the people. Garbage being piled up is faster than garbage
collection of private contractors of the City. Because of this, the Local Government, along with
the residents of Lipa City are working together to resolve this issue. By the past few years, the
Lipeños do not lack in knowledge and awareness but they lack in discipline and implementation
of the laws. Therefore, the government should focus on how to implement the ordinances to its
people and the people should learn on how to dispose of their waste properly. Lipeños have
been doing their indiscriminate and irresponsible dumping of garbage along streets, esteros and
other waterways. The locals have been implementing laws but the residents lack discipline and
cooperation. Lipeños have been ignoring street signs like “bawal magtapon dito” and “bawal
magkalat dito”. They keep on throwing all over our community, having the thought in their minds
that their simple plastic bottle, or the little garbage bag of theirs will not build up and will not
cause any problem. But the truth is, the garbage keeps on increasing because of what they are
doing. One of the causes of the problem in waste management is the way that the Lipeños have
been disposing their waste.

This study will be a great help to the citizens and community members of Lipa City for
this study will raise awareness and knowledge on proper waste management and disposal. By
being aware, the solutions given by the researchers will improve the quality of life of the citizens
in Lipa. The study has used both primary and secondary data for the fulfillment aims and
objectives. Through surveys, the researcher will find the main factors that lead to poor waste
management and disposal of Lipeños and will help to address the problem of wastes disposal in
Lipa. Successful management of solid waste is possible with the involvement of all associated
stakeholders like government, non-governmental organizations, community based organizations
and so on. Thus, this study will also help the government to think of various solutions, like
environmental education and advocacy projects to develop awareness among its citizens for it
is the responsibility of the Local Government to provide a good management practice. Proper
segregation of waste should also be implemented and possessed by each of us. Segregation is
the key to the hauler’s efficient collection and utilization of waste. On top of all of that, the
residents of Lipa City have the responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of the city.

6
V. REFERENCES

Bezama A, Agamuthu P. Addressing the big issues in waste management. Waste Management
& Research. 2019;37(1_suppl):1-3. doi:10.1177/0734242X19825733

Bolaane, B. (2006). Constraints to Promoting People Centered Approaches in Recycling.

Habitat International, 30, 731-740. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.habitatint.2005.10.002

Fagariba, C. J. (2016, September 9). Assessment of Impediments and Factors Affecting Waste
Management: A Case of Accra Metropolis .
https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/201609.0012/v2

Flores, R., Feratero, V., & Soneta, S. (2017, September 29). A Case Study about the Improper

Waste Disposal in Barangay Mojon Tampoy, Philippines. ResearchGate.

https://www.researchgate.net/project/A-Case-Study-about-the-Improper-Waste-Disposal-

in-Barangay-Mojon-Tampoy-Philippines

Greenbank. (2020, June 12). 4 Factors Leading To Poor Waste Management & How To Combat
Them. Greenbank Waste Solutions.
https://blog.greenbankwastesolutions.com/factors-that-leads-to-poor-waste-management
-and-how-to-combat-them

Keita Mamady, "Factors Influencing Attitude, Safety Behavior, and Knowledge regarding
Household Waste Management in Guinea: A Cross-Sectional Study", Journal of
Environmental and Public Health, vol. 2016, Article ID 9305768, 9 pages, 2016.
https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9305768

Mihai, Florin-Constantin (2012): Geography of waste as a new approach in waste

management study. Published in: Papers of Geographic Seminar “ Dimitrie
Cantemir” , Vol. 33, (2012): pp. 39-46.

Ogawa, H. (2005). Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries.

Sustainable Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries (gdrc.org)

Yoada, R. M. (2014, July 8). Domestic waste disposal practice and perceptions of private sector
waste management in urban Accra - BMC Public Health. BioMed Central.
https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2458-14-697