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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Situation Analysis

A Solid Waste Collector is a device designed to gather and remove waste

materials from water bodies like rivers, ponds, and drainage canals, playing a

critical role in managing pollution and maintaining the health of aquatic

ecosystems. These systems are built with a focus on environmental sustainability,

often using renewable energy sources such as solar power to reduce their carbon

footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. The development of solid waste

collectors is largely motivated by the growing issue of water pollution,

particularly in developing countries like the Philippines, where canals are

frequently contaminated with debris and plastics. This pollution threatens water

quality, public health, and local ecosystems. Solid waste collectors are designed to

address these challenges by effectively cleaning water bodies, thereby improving

water quality and supporting environmental conservation (The Ocean Cleanup,

2023; World Bank, 2020).

Solid waste collectors offer numerous benefits, especially when used in

drainage canals. They efficiently remove waste by continuously clearing debris,

minimizing the need for manual labor and ensuring that canals remain clean and

operational. This helps prevent blockages and reduces the risk of flooding during
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heavy rains, which is crucial in urban areas (World Bank, 2020; Kumar & Singh,

2021). Additionally, by limiting pollution, these collectors improve water quality

and reduce the growth of harmful bacteria (Zhang et al., 2023). Cleaner

waterways enhance the aesthetic appeal of local communities and recreational

spaces, while the systems’ ease of use makes them adaptable to various drainage

settings, requiring little training or maintenance (Sharma & Ghosh, 2020; UNEP,

2022). Furthermore, by promoting cleaner environments, solid waste collectors

encourage community involvement in environmental conservation, fostering a

sense of responsibility toward maintaining a sustainable and healthy ecosystem

(Davis & Parker, 2021).

Stagnant drainage canals are a widespread issue in the Philippines,

particularly in densely populated urban areas like Metro Manila. These canals

become stagnant due to various factors, including inadequate drainage

infrastructure, poor waste management, and the rapid pace of urbanization. As

cited by Koons, E., solid waste, primarily plastics and household garbage, often

clogs the canals, obstructing the flow of water and creating stagnant pools. The

problem is worsened by informal settlements along waterways where untreated

sewage and domestic waste are directly discharged into the canals. Stagnant water

poses several serious risks, including being a breeding ground for mosquitoes,

which increases the spread of diseases like dengue and malaria. The health

hazards extend to waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery, which are

common in areas where drainage canals are not properly maintained.

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Stagnant water exacerbates health and environmental issues, especially in

developing nations like the Philippines, where poor drainage infrastructure,

combined with waste accumulation, leads to clogged canals and polluted

waterways. The need for water agitation is crucial in preventing mosquito-borne

diseases and improving overall water quality. While some solutions, such as

aerators, exist to oxygenate water and promote movement, they are typically

deployed separately from waste collection devices (World Bank, 2020). Several

studies and innovations regarding solid waste collectors were already made in the

Philippines. However, most of these products were run by a motor or an impeller

that works due to water current. The lack of widespread deployment of solid

waste collectors designed to actively agitate stagnant water reflects a significant

gap in the current approach to managing urban waterways. Most available

systems are designed solely to collect visible waste like plastics and debris,

focusing on pollution removal without addressing the underlying problem of

water stagnation. These devices, such as floating booms and trash traps, primarily

target the surface of the water and do little to promote circulation, which is critical

for preventing the buildup of harmful bacteria and reducing mosquito breeding

habitats in stagnant water bodies (The Ocean Cleanup, 2023).

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Causes of Drainage Canal Clogging

The clogging of drainage canals is a widespread issue caused by several

interrelated factors. These causes contribute to urban flooding, water pollution,

and public health risks, making it crucial to understand and address them.

Poverty

Poverty contributes to clogged canals due to inadequate waste

management in underserved areas. Without regular waste collection, residents

often resort to improper disposal, causing debris to accumulate in canals and

block water flow. This increases the risk of flooding and damages vulnerable

communities. Slum environments, for instance, are particularly susceptible to

climate-related risks, with the effects being especially pronounced due to

inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited coping strategies. For

instance, the flooding caused by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 resulted in billions of

pesos in costs for government rehabilitation and relief efforts. This disaster

inflicted substantial damage on the natural, physical, and social assets of slum

households, increasing their sense of helplessness and exacerbating the challenges

faced by the urban poor (Ballesteros, 2019).

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Improper Waste Disposal

Improper waste disposal has become an escalating environmental crisis

that greatly contributes to the clogging of drainage canals. Many communities

lack efficient waste management systems, leading to practices such as open

dumping and insufficient recycling. Solid waste—especially non-biodegradable

materials like plastics—often accumulates in drainage canals. Water bodies are

increasingly contaminated by floating debris, including garbage, weeds, plastics,

sewage, effluents, and industrial toxins. In 2023, the Philippines generated

approximately 61,000 metric tons of waste daily, with 24 percent of that being

plastic, according to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. The

country produces around 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million shopping bags,

and 45 million thin-film bags every day. Environment Undersecretary for Policy,

Planning, and International Affairs noted that only 28 percent of the country’s

plastic waste is recycled, resulting in at least 800,000 metric tons of plastic being

disposed of each year. This solid waste, especially plastics and non-biodegradable

materials, can clog drainage systems, leading to blockages that cause overflow

and flooding in urban areas. Currently, many poor areas in cities, municipalities,

and rural locations are underserved, with waste not being regularly collected. As a

result, some residents with excess waste resort to improper disposal methods such

as littering, burning, and open dumping. Experts warn that these practices can

lead to pollution, flooding, and fires, all of which pose significant risks to public

health and safety (Garcia, 2019).

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Lack of Regular Maintenance

The absence of regular maintenance in urban waterways and drainage

systems greatly worsens the problems caused by plastic pollution and canal

blockages. When canals are not consistently maintained, they can become clogged

with debris, particularly plastic waste, which obstructs the flow of water and leads

to serious drainage issues. This neglect often results in stagnant water, creating

favorable conditions for mosquito breeding and increasing the risk of waterborne

illnesses.

In addition, poor maintenance accelerates the deterioration of

infrastructure, making canals more vulnerable to flooding during heavy rainfall.

The buildup of waste not only hampers the efficiency of these systems but also

reduces their aesthetic appeal and recreational use, negatively affecting

community well-being and overall quality of life (Pushpa, 2020).

Effects of Drainage Canal Clogging

Clogged drainage canals cause a range of environmental and public health

problems, including frequent flooding, water pollution, and the spread of diseases.

When drainage systems are blocked, water flow is disrupted, leading to stagnant

water that fosters the growth of harmful organisms and contributes to

infrastructure damage.
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Water Pollution

The buildup of waste in water bodies also significantly harms aquatic

ecosystems and degrades water quality. When debris, pollutants, and toxic

substances infiltrate rivers, lakes, and drainage canals, they disturb the natural

equilibrium of these habitats, resulting in lower oxygen levels and threatening

aquatic organisms. Both organic and inorganic waste can lead to eutrophication, a

process where excess nutrients trigger rampant algal blooms that consume oxygen

and obstruct sunlight, further jeopardizing fish and other aquatic life. Moreover,

polluted water presents serious health hazards to both humans and wildlife, as it

can harbor pathogens and toxic chemicals that infiltrate the food chain (Hart et al.,

2024).

Flooding

Flooding and infrastructure damage often occur when canals become

clogged with debris, such as trash, leaves, and sediment. When these canals are

blocked, water flow is restricted, causing it to overflow onto streets and

properties, leading to widespread flooding. This excess water can weaken the

foundations of buildings, roads, and bridges, resulting in structural damage and

costly repairs. Proper maintenance of drainage systems is crucial to prevent

clogging and reduce the risk of flooding and infrastructure damage. Neglecting
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these systems can lead to severe consequences, particularly during heavy rainfall

(Vincent et al., 2023).

Flooding is one of the most dangerous disasters, leading to injuries,

property loss, and even fatalities. It is also usually caused by natural disasters and

climate change. In 2023, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian

Affairs (OCHA) reported that natural hazards and conflict affected over 13.7

million people in the Philippines. That year, only 11 tropical cyclones (TCs)

entered the Philippines Area of Responsibility (PAR), the lowest number since

1948, tied with 2010, which is significantly below the average of 20. Although

strong typhoons did not cause direct landfall, they enhanced the southwest

monsoon and shear lines, bringing heavy rains that caused floods and landslides

in various areas. Additionally, a series of strong earthquakes in December 2023

struck Mindanao, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure, displacement of

people, and loss of lives. The year also marked the onset of a strong El Niño,

which is expected to lead to below-normal rainfall conditions and persist until

May 2024.

Health Impacts

Health impacts of floods caused by improper waste disposal may be direct

or indirect. The direct impacts which arise from physical contact with floodwater

include drowning, heart attack, hypothermia, forthright (i.e. direct) shock, wounds

from submerged wreckage, electrocution, chemical contamination, and animal

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bites. Indirect impacts are related to flood damage of the natural or built

environment and include infection ailments, starvation, physical and mental

disabilities triggered or worsened by flood conditions, and diseases incidental to

displacement and impoverishment. Floods in the Philippines have been known to

cause significant public health issues, one of the most concerning being the rise in

leptospirosis cases. Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through contact

with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals (often rats), is prevalent

during flooding events. As of July 2023, the Department of Health (DOH)

recorded 233 deaths due to leptospirosis from January to July of that year, a rise

from 201 deaths during the same period in 2022. The country also saw 2,168

leptospirosis cases during this period, reflecting a sharp 52% increase compared

to the previous year. Central Luzon, the Cagayan Valley, and the National Capital

Region (Metro Manila) are among the regions most affected. Cholera on the other

hand, is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water

contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat

to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Philippines is

among 30 countries that reported cases of cholera or acute waterborne diseases

(AWD) in 2023. The WHO's 2023 Global Cholera and AWD Dashboard recorded

a total of 708,200 cholera cases worldwide, with at least nine countries reporting

over 10,000 cases each. Additionally, more than 4,300 deaths were reported

globally.
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Damage to Properties

In the Philippines, besides the severity of monsoon rains and typhoons

causing destructive floods, poor community drainage canals, and overloaded river

channels due to rapid urbanization worsened the recurrent flooding. The

accumulation of waste in drainage canals can have detrimental effects on nearby

properties, leading to both economic and structural challenges. As debris and

refuse build up, they obstruct water flow, increasing the likelihood of flooding

during heavy rains. This flooding can cause significant damage to residential and

commercial properties, including water intrusion, erosion of foundations, and

deterioration of building materials (Villas, 2024). According to an article written

by The Manila Times, Manila frequently experiences severe flooding due to

clogged drainage systems filled with plastic bottles, oil, and grease, primarily

from poor waste management by local businesses and improper garbage disposal

on the streets. These blockages reduce the canals' ability to handle heavy rainfall,

leading to water overflow and flooding that damages both residential and

commercial properties. In Cebu City, improperly discarded waste in waterways

has been identified as a major factor in recent flash floods, which resulted in

extensive damage to properties, and even the loss of lives.

Solutions to Drainage Canal Clogging

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Addressing drainage canal clogging requires a range of solutions. Key

measures include enforcing better waste disposal practices and using new

technologies for waste management. By improving community involvement and

enhancing drainage infrastructure, local areas can reduce waste buildup and

protect both public health and the environment.

Strict Waste Disposal Regulations

Enforcing strict waste disposal regulations is essential to prevent illegal

dumping, protect water quality, and ensure proper waste management, thereby

fostering accountability among waste producers. Additionally, effective waste

management systems are necessary to minimize environmental impact by

adapting to various waste types, which helps reduce the volume of waste entering

waterways and protects aquatic ecosystems. Investing in waste reduction

initiatives, such as public education campaigns, community clean-up programs,

and recycling incentives, is vital for addressing the root causes of waste

generation and ultimately improving overall environmental quality. Building

resilient infrastructures, including advanced waste collection systems and

sustainable drainage designs, is crucial for enhancing resilience against

environmental challenges like flooding and climate change, thereby improving

waste management efficiency (Dathu et al., 2019). By prioritizing these measures,

communities can create a cleaner, healthier environment that supports both public

well-being and the preservation of natural resources for future generations.

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Development of Drainage Canal Cleaner

To address the growing challenge of water body pollution, innovative

solutions are essential for effective waste management and environmental

preservation. By efficiently removing waste from drainage systems, the cleaner

plays a crucial role in mitigating environmental hazards. For instance, it helps

prevent flooding by ensuring that water can flow freely through drainage

channels, reducing the risk of overflow during storms. Additionally, by managing

waste effectively, the machine contributes to the fight against climate change by

minimizing the accumulation of pollutants that can harm ecosystems and

contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The drainage system cleaner represents a

significant advancement in waste management technology, promoting a healthier

environment and enhancing community resilience against climate-related

challenges.

The solid waste collector is designed to be a budget-friendly option for

improving waste management practices. It operates autonomously, meaning it can

effectively collect and manage garbage without requiring human involvement,

which is particularly advantageous during challenging weather conditions like

heavy rain. This self-sufficiency allows the machine to function continuously,

ensuring that drainage systems remain clear of debris that could cause blockages

(Mukhtar et al., 2020).

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Despite ongoing efforts in the Philippines to clean and maintain drainage

canals, many of these initiatives have proven ineffective in addressing the

persistent issue of waste buildup. To tackle these challenges, the researchers

propose the design and development of a Drainage Canal Solid Waste Collector

that operates using the natural water current. This collector is designed to function

year-round, regardless of whether the water is flowing or stagnant, and can adapt

to varying water levels. In designing the system, factors such as size, ease of use,

hygiene, and aesthetics were carefully considered. A key technical feature of the

design is the incorporation of a motor that can increase the water flow, ensuring

the waste collector remains effective even in stagnant water. The primary goal of

this study is to reduce waste accumulation in drainage canals, thereby preventing

negative consequences such as flooding and improving overall waterway

conditions.

Statement of Objectives

Generally, this study aimed to develop a Solid Waste Collector for Stagnant

Drainage Canal. It specifically sought to accomplish the following purposes:

1. To design a Solid Waste Collector in consideration of:

a. Size of the bin, m3

b. Shaft diameter, m
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c. Sprocket, no. of teeth

2. To determine the significant difference of existing Solid Waste Collector,

Manual or Traditional Waste Collection, and the new Solid Waste Collector in

terms of the following:

a. Waste collection, kg/hr

b. Power consumption, hp or kw

3. To determine the cost and return of setting up the Drainage Solid Waste

Collector Using Paddle Wheels for Stagnant Water at DMMMSU.

Specifically, it attempts to answer the following questions:

1. What is the design of the solid waste collector in terms of the following:

a. Size of the bin, m3

b. Shaft diameter, m

c. Sprocket, no. of teeth

2. Is there a significant difference among the existing Solid Waste Collector,

Manual or Traditional Waste Collection, and the new Solid Waste

Collector in terms of the following:

a. Waste collection, kg/hr

b. Power consumption, hp or kw

3. What is the cost and return of setting up the Drainage Solid Waste

Collector Using Paddle Wheels for Stagnant Water?

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Time and Place of the Study

This study fabricated, devised, and developed a Solid Waste Collector.

The researchers conducted the study entitled Solid Waste Collector during the

First and Second Semester of the Academic Year 2024-2025 at one of the

researcher’s houses in San Fernando, La Union.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are operationally defined for better understanding.

Canal. It is a man-made waterway constructed to convey water for

irrigation, drainage, or other purposes.

Design. Planning and decision-making process of the solid waste

collector.

Fabricate. Construction of the solid waste collector involves the assembly

of its parts.

Performance. The ability or capability mechanism of the solid waste

collector was evaluated.

Solid waste collector. A device designed to collect solid waste from

commercial, residential, or industrial areas.

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Solid waste. Refers to any discarded material that is in solid or semi-solid

form, originating from various human activities thrown upon the drainage canal.

Speed. Refers to the rate at which the solid waste collector can operate to

gather, transport, or process solid waste materials.

Volume. Refers to the capacity of the solid waste collector to hold or

contain solid waste materials.

Significance of the Study

1. Stagnant water collects waste and debris, harming ecosystems. This study

aims to reduce waste in these areas, promoting healthier environments and

biodiversity.

2. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing disease

risks. An effective waste collector can help lower these risks by removing

waste and improving water flow.

3. This study supports innovative waste management solutions, particularly

in developing countries like the Philippines. It promotes more sustainable

practices that align with global environmental goals.

4. By analyzing the costs and benefits of the new drainage canal solid waste

collector, the study can guide investments in effective waste management

technologies that are both efficient and cost-effective.

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5. This study encourages the development of new technologies for waste

management, comparing existing systems to new designs to find better

solutions for stagnant water challenges.

Beneficiaries

The solid waste collector designed for drainage canals will benefit many

groups. Local communities will enjoy cleaner water and reduced health risks,

leading to a better quality of life and fewer diseases caused by stagnant water, like

mosquito-borne illnesses (Buchan et al., 2022; WHO, 2021). Public health

agencies will save on healthcare costs due to fewer disease outbreaks, relieving

pressure on health systems (Davis & Parker, 2021; World Bank, 2020).

Environmental organizations will find that these waste collectors support

their mission to protect ecosystems, as cleaner drainage canals can enhance

biodiversity (Sharma & Ghosh, 2020). Local governments will benefit from lower

maintenance costs for drainage systems, resulting in cleaner public spaces (Kumar

& Singh, 2021; Zhang et al., 2023).

Businesses and tourism will thrive in areas with cleaner drainage canals,

attracting more visitors and boosting economic activity (UNEP, 2022). Lastly,

researchers and academics will gain valuable insights from this study, which can

enhance knowledge in waste management practices (Davis & Parker, 2021).