The Impact of Solid Waste Management on Environmental Sanitation in Cotabato City

Chapter I

I. Background of the Study

Introduction

The study on the impact of solid waste management on environmental sanitation in

Cotabato City is a crucial investigation into the state of waste handling practices and their

repercussions on the overall cleanliness and hygiene of this urban area in the Philippines.

Cotabato City, like many urban centers, faces significant challenges related to solid waste

management. The study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing waste

management practices in the city, including waste collection, disposal methods, and recycling

initiatives. It also explores the broader concept of environmental sanitation, encompassing

factors like cleanliness, hygiene, and the prevention of environmental pollution. Given the

intimate link between waste management and public health, the study will delve into the

potential health risks associated with inadequate waste handling, such as the spread of diseases

and respiratory problems.

Additionally, it will assess the level of community involvement and stakeholder

participation in waste management efforts. By examining local policies, regulations, and their

enforcement, the study seeks to understand the legal framework surrounding environmental

sanitation in Cotabato City. Data collection and analysis, involving surveys, interviews, waste

audits, and environmental monitoring, will provide the empirical basis for drawing meaningful

conclusions.
 Ultimately, the study aims to offer recommendations for improving solid waste

management practices and enhancing environmental sanitation, with an eye toward long-term

sustainability and the betterment of the city's overall environmental and public health conditions.

II. Statement of the Problem

The problem addressed in this quantitative study is to determine the extent of the impact

of current solid waste management practices on environmental sanitation in Cotabato City.

Specifically, this research aims to quantify the following aspects:

1.) How impactful are the existing solid waste management policies (i.e. collection, disposal,

recycling) in addressing the sanitation needs of Cotabato City as perceived by the

following groups?

a. Health Sectors

b. Barangay Leaders

c. Residents

2.) How does the effectiveness of solid waste management practices quantitatively correlate

with the prevalence of sanitation-related diseases among the city's population?

3.) What is the quantitative impact of the current solid waste management practices on

environmental factors like air and water quality, soil contamination, and the local

ecosystem within the urban zones of Cotabato City?

In addressing these problems, the researchers would be able to offer crucial insights into

potential areas for improvement and policy recommendations to enhance the city's overall

environmental health.
III. Significance of the Study

The significance of the study carries substantial significance for a diverse range of

stakeholders in Cotabato City. For local government officials, this study serves as a guiding light

for informed decision-making. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the current state of solid

waste management practices in Cotabato City and their direct implications on environmental

sanitation. Armed with this data-driven evidence, officials are better equipped to formulate

effective waste management policies, allocate resources efficiently, and improve strategies for

waste collection and disposal. The study thus acts as a vital tool in the hands of policymakers,

guiding them towards more targeted and impactful solutions to address the pressing challenges in

waste management within the city.

Residents of Cotabato City, on the other hand, stand to gain numerous advantages from

this research. First and foremost, it holds the potential to significantly impact their health and

well-being. By unveiling the link between responsible waste management practices and a

cleaner, safer environment, the study contributes to the mitigation of health risks. Residents are

made aware of how their actions and choices directly affect their health and the health of their

communities. Armed with this knowledge, they can actively engage in waste reduction and

proper disposal efforts, ensuring a healthier living environment for themselves and their

neighbors.

Moreover, this study may translate into cost savings for residents. Improved waste

management practices can lead to reduced healthcare expenses, as fewer cases of diseases related

to poor sanitation are expected. Additionally, the potential for reduced waste collection fees and

taxes can ease the financial burden on households. These financial benefits can contribute to an
improved quality of life, providing residents with more disposable income for other essential

needs.

The study's significance extends to both local government officials and residents in

Cotabato City. It equips officials with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions and

implement effective policies, while residents gain insights that can directly impact their health,

financial well-being, and overall quality of life. Together, these outcomes have the potential to

foster a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous living environment for all residents of Cotabato

City.

IV. Review of Related Literature

Practices on Waste Disposal and its Environmental Effects

By: Magna Anissa E. Aming-Hayudini, Mohammad Yusof T. Jaddani and Salta I. Habibun

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the practices of waste disposal among residents of the

Urban Zones of Jolo, Sulu, Philippines. The researchers sought to answer the following

questions: What is the demographic profile of the resident in terms of educational attainment?

What are the practices on waste disposal among the residents? What are the effects on the

environment of waste disposal practices among the residents? And, is there a significant effect of

the waste disposal practices on the environment? Quantitative type of research was utilized

specifically the descriptive research method. The researchers made use of self-structured survey

questionnaires based from related literature, related studies and validation of experts.

Convenience sampling was used in determining the selected respondents of Jolo, Sulu,
Philippines.

Based on the findings of the gathered data, it was therefore concluded that the majority of

the respondents are high school graduates. It was also concluded that the majority of the

residents always practice waste disposal. The study also found out that the majority of the

respondents are aware about the effect of solid waste if not disposed properly. It also

concluded that there is a significant effect of solid waste on the environment. Among the

findings and conclusions, the highest priority recom- mendation policies in this study are to

strengthen the Republic Act 9003 also known as Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000

to maintain the necessary policy framework and continue implement- ing the integrated waste

management plan based on 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) of which the Local Government

of Jolo, Sulu, Philippines is strictly complying on the said mandates.

Environmental Sanitation in Urban Areas

Environmental sanitation involves different aspects, including clean water supply, proper

waste disposal, and public health (Oberoi et al., 2018). In densely populated urban areas like

Cotabato City, inadequate solid waste management can lead to unsanitary conditions, the

proliferation of disease vectors, and increased health risks for residents which could endanger

and affect their lives. That is why it is encouraged to observe effective solid waste management

practices consisting of a range of activities such as waste collection, segregation, recycling and

disposal (Agamuthi et al., 2019). These practices are fundamental in preventing environmental

pollution and safeguarding the well-being of the residents.

Understanding the specific challenges and context of Cotabato City is crucial for

assessing the impact of solid waste management on environmental sanitation. Factors such as
population density, socio-economic conditions, and local waste management

policies will influence the outcomes of any study conducted in this area. Contaminated

water sources, air pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases are some of the direct

consequences (Zhu et al., 2020). Therefore, improving solid waste management is essential to

mitigate these negative impacts.

Solid Waste Management in the world cities: Water and sanitation in the world cities 2010

Solid waste management is one of the largest challenges faced by cities, regardless of their sizes,

from mega and metro cities up to the smallest cities that serves as home to many people. This

problem has always gained a spot in the top 5 problems of cities. It is somewhat strange that

given such a situation, it gains less attention compared to other city management problems. The

existing process of the city’s garbage disposal shows the way of life for the people living there.

As a matter of fact when a city is dirty, it shows that the local government is inefficient on their

obligations and at the same time study shows that most cities have low budget allocation for

waste management while data shows that garbage collection can range from 10 to 90 percent

collection. (Tibaijuka A., 2010)

AWARENESS AND PRACTICE ON HOUSEHOLD SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

AMONG THE COMMUNITY PEOPLE

1MSN, Community Health Nursing, NIANER, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

2Faculty of Adult and Elderly Health Nursing, NIANER, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

3Faculty of Community Health Nursing, NIANER, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

4Faculty of Women’s Health Nursing, National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education &

Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Abstract

Household solid waste management is a major public health concern in the community

people and closely related to daily human life. Community people can play a pivotal role in

managing household solid waste. This study was aimed to assess the awareness and practice of

household solid waste management among the people living in the Mugda community in Dhaka.

The collection, transportation, processing, recycling, disposal, and monitoring of waste

products is referred to as household solid waste management. Due to poor household solid waste

management, Bangladesh is one of the most polluted nations in the world. Household solid waste

management presents a significant issue to the local population. Daily solid waste generates in

Bangladesh was estimated to be 8280 tons and annually generate 3.02 million tons.

Approximately 63% of people didn’t manage household solid waste properly. However, about

39% of people didn’t manage household solid waste properly in the world. In India, it was

estimated that people of the municipal area generated household solid waste daily at 160,000 MT

(Metric Ton). Household solid waste (HSW) has both direct and indirect effects on the

environment and human welfare. Improper household solid waste management causes serious
health effects in daily life. Poor waste management, inadequate collection, and improper disposal

of the waste facility could lead to various diseases, infections, and infestation. These include

Malaria, Typhoid, Diarrhea, Cholera, Helminthiasis, and Dysentery. Poor management of

household solid waste destroys the natural beauty; damage the landscape, fire hazards, foul

smells, unpleasantness, additional dredging costs of waterways, silting up of reservoirs, and

decrease in plant productivity, deterioration of structures and structural foundations, and

depreciation of land value. A clean environment influences good health and improves the quality

of human life. Lack of good and enough infrastructures, insufficient coverage of collection

system, inadequate awareness, and less involvement of the household key stakeholder are the

main reasons for improper household solid waste management in the community. Awareness of

various aspects of waste management can help to reduce waste generation and improve the waste

management process.

This study's findings would help in the creation of a program to raise community

members' awareness and level of practice in the area of household solid waste management. The

data from this discovery can be used by policymakers to develop a plan for raising awareness

and boosting the use of home solid waste management. It also serves as a baseline for additional

research into identifying aspects linked to this topic. This study highlights the importance to

design waste separation programs that suit the needs of targeted population as a boost towards

sustainable solid waste management practices.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATION OF SOLID WASTE GENERATED BY

By: Donald Ikwun Omang, Godwin Egbe John,

Simon Alain Inah, and Jude Owan Bisong

Abstract

Solid waste comprises all the waste arising from human and animal activities and by-

products of processes, which are normally solid, and are discarded as useless or unwanted

materials that may be required by law to be disposed off. Solid waste can be classified in a

number of ways on the basis of their sources, environmental risks, utility and physical property.

Based on origin or source, solid wastes are classified as: Municipal solid waste, Industrial solid

waste and Agricultural Solid Waste. The rural communities and urban towns are today struggling

to clear heaps of solid waste from their environments. These strategic centers are now being

overtaken by overflowing dumps and uncollected heaps of solid waste emanating from

household or domestic sources, markets, shopping and business centers. The local government

councils are unable to carry out their statutory responsibilities of managing municipal solid in the

towns and cities which is a clear violation of the environmental sanitation edicts and regulation.

Improper solid waste disposal causes pollution of air, soil, and water while indiscriminate

dumping of waste contaminates surface and groundwater supplies. In urban areas, solid waste

clogs drains, creating stagnant water for insect breeding and floods during the rainy.

Uncontrolled burning of solid wastes and improper incineration contributes significantly to urban

air pollution. Greenhouse gases are generated from the decomposition of organic wastes in
landfills, and untreated leachate pollutes surrounding soil and water bodies. Health and safety

issues also arise from improper solid waste management.

This study highlights the results of the study that was conducted to analyze the solid

waste management practices of the waste generators, and the extent of their compliance with the

Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

This study was conducted in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria, to

determine the public health implication of solid waste generated by households. The result shows

solid waste posed a serious health hazard and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. These

issues can be addressed through health education and enlightenment of the people on waste

disposal.

V. Conceptual Framework

Solid waste management has been an issue all over the country especially in

urban areas and major cities. This is an accumulated effect of over population growth and

uneven distribution of population. Considering being in a third world country where

concern in environmental problems and effects could bring detrimental problems among

the people and the society. Cotabato city being one of the largest and fastest developing

cities in our country is not exempt from these environmental problems.

Thus Solid Waste Management could impact the environmental sanitation of the

city which raises the concern of certain individuals in the health sectors, barangay leaders
 and most especially the residents. It also raises concern on the sanitation-related areas of

the city and most importantly it could directly affect the city’s air quality, water quality

and soil contamination.

VI. Operational Definition of Terms

These are the operational definitions of terms in this study:

1. Solid Waste - refers to non-liquid, non-soluble materials generated by households,

businesses, and industries within Cotabato City. This includes items such as household

refuse, recyclables, and non-hazardous industrial waste.

2. Environmental Sanitation - defined as the practice of maintaining clean and safe

environmental conditions within the boundaries of Cotabato City. This includes efforts to

prevent pollution, manage waste, control vectors of diseases, and ensure access to clean

water and sanitation facilities.

3. Waste Management Practices - practices encompass the methods and processes

employed for the collection, transportation, disposal, recycling, and treatment of solid waste

within Cotabato City. These practices involve both formal municipal systems and informal or

community-based initiatives.
4. Local Government Officials - refer to elected or appointed individuals holding positions

within the local government structure of Cotabato City. This includes city council members,

mayors, environmental officers, and other relevant officials responsible for waste

management and environmental sanitation.

5. Residents - denote individuals living within the administrative boundaries of Cotabato

City, including homeowners, renters, and occupants of both urban and rural areas. They form

the primary demographic group affected by waste management and environmental sanitation

conditions.

6. Health Impacts - pertain to the direct and indirect consequences of poor waste

management practices on the physical well-being of Cotabato City's residents. This includes

a range of health outcomes such as waterborne diseases, respiratory problems, and vector-

borne illnesses.

7. Financial Implications - refer to the economic consequences of waste management

practices and environmental sanitation for both the local government and residents. This

includes expenses related to healthcare, waste collection fees, taxes, and potential cost

savings resulting from improved waste management.

8. Quality of Life - encompasses the overall well-being and living conditions experienced

by the residents of Cotabato City. It takes into account factors such as health, economic

stability, environmental aesthetics, and the sense of community well-being.

I. Research Design

A quantitative study on the impact of solid waste management on environmental

sanitation in Cotabato City would involve the collection and analysis of numerical data to assess

the relationship between various factors related to waste management and environmental

conditions.

The research objectives of the study on the impact of solid waste management on

environmental sanitation in Cotabato City are multifaceted and comprehensive. Firstly, the study

aims to conduct a thorough assessment of the current solid waste management practices within
Cotabato City, encompassing the entire waste management cycle from collection to disposal.

This includes an evaluation of waste segregation efforts and recycling initiatives. Secondly, the

study seeks to quantify the volume of solid waste generated across various sectors within the city

to understand the scale of the waste management challenge.

Furthermore, the research objectives extend to an evaluation of environmental sanitation

conditions in Cotabato City. This involves assessing the cleanliness and hygiene of public spaces,

as well as examining key environmental indicators such as air and water quality. By doing so, the

study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of environmental sanitation in the

city.

Additionally, the research objectives involve identifying and analyzing factors that

influence environmental sanitation. These factors may encompass waste management practices,

population density, socioeconomic conditions, and the effectiveness of existing policies and

regulations. The study seeks to establish correlations and relationships between these factors and

the observed sanitation outcomes, shedding light on which practices and conditions have the

most significant impact.

Moreover, the research objectives encompass an in-depth examination of the policy and

regulatory framework governing solid waste management in Cotabato City. This analysis aims to

understand the efficacy of existing policies and their enforcement mechanisms, assessing how

they contribute to or hinder environmental sanitation goals.

Furthermore, the study intends to gauge the level of public awareness and community

engagement in solid waste management efforts. This involves assessing the extent to which

residents are informed about waste management practices and environmentally responsible

behaviors and how these factors influence sanitation outcomes.

derived from the study's findings. These recommendations are intended to guide local

government authorities, policymakers, and stakeholders in implementing effective strategies to

improve solid waste management practices and enhance environmental sanitation in Cotabato

City. By achieving these objectives, the study contributes to the broader goal of sustainable urban

development by promoting cleaner and healthier living conditions, reducing environmental

pollution, and improving overall public health within the city.

HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesis 1: It is hypothesized that there is a positive correlation between effective

waste segregation practices and improved environmental sanitation in Cotabato City.

Specifically, households and communities that actively segregate their waste into recyclables,

non-recyclables, and organic materials are expected to have cleaner public spaces and better

environmental conditions compared to those with poor waste segregation practices.

Hypothesis 2: A second hypothesis posits that the frequency and efficiency of waste

collection services significantly impact environmental sanitation in the city. It is anticipated that

areas with regular and reliable waste collection schedules will exhibit cleaner surroundings and

better overall sanitation compared to areas with irregular or inadequate collection services.

Hypothesis 3: This study also postulates that public awareness and community

engagement in waste management efforts have a positive influence on environmental sanitation.

recycling programs and cleanliness campaigns will experience improved environmental

sanitation outcomes.

Hypothesis 4: In line with the above hypotheses, it is further hypothesized that areas with

stricter waste management policies and better enforcement mechanisms will exhibit superior

environmental sanitation. The assumption is that stronger regulations and their effective

implementation lead to more responsible waste disposal practices and, consequently, cleaner

environments.

Hypothesis 5: Lastly, the study posits that there is a connection between population

density and environmental sanitation. It is expected that areas with higher population densities

may face greater waste management challenges and may exhibit poorer environmental sanitation

outcomes due to increased waste generation and limited resources for waste management.

These hypotheses collectively form the basis for investigating the relationships between

solid waste management practices and environmental sanitation in Cotabato City. Through

empirical data collection and analysis, the study aims to either validate or refute these

hypotheses, providing valuable insights into the factors that influence environmental cleanliness

and public health in the city.

II. Locale of the Study

The study will be conducted within the urban areas of Cotabato City, located in the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao which is classified as a third-class

independent component city. Historically, Cotabato City was an integral part of and served as the

regional center for Region XII. However, following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic

Law, it is now part of the Bangsamoro region and functions as its regional center. Being an

independent component city, it is not subject to regulation from the Provincial Government of

Maguindanao del Norte where it is currently located geographically.

Given its cultural diversity, historical significance, and economic activities, Cotabato City

provides an interesting and relevant locale for studying the impact of solid waste management on

environmental sanitation, as it represents many of the challenges and opportunities faced by

rapidly growing urban zones in the Philippines.

III. Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study on the Impact of Solid Waste Management on

Environmental Sanitation in Cotabato City comprise a diverse group of individuals, including

barangay officials and residents from various barangays within Cotabato City. Barangay officials

play a crucial role in the local governance and administration of waste management policies,

making their perspectives and insights invaluable to the research. Their involvement helps in

understanding the implementation of waste management programs and policies at the grassroots

level. On the other hand, the inclusion of residents from different barangays ensures a

comprehensive representation of the community's experiences and perceptions regarding solid

waste management practices and their impact on environmental sanitation. This diverse set of
respondents provides a well-rounded perspective, allowing the study to gather valuable data and

insights necessary for a comprehensive assessment of the subject matter in the context of

Cotabato City.

IV. Instrumentation and Measure

The researcher used a questionnaire as a primary tool in obtaining the needed data and

information. The researcher patterned the questionnaire in accordance with the data that the

researcher wanted to obtain based on the objective of the study. The researcher used a

standardized questionnaire to gather information.

V. Data Gathering and Procedure

In collecting the data of this study, the researchers asked permission first to the

respondents. After the permission was asked, the researchers administered the structured survey

questionnaire to collect data gathered. 20 minutes was given to the respondents to give ample

time in answering the questions. The collection of data was gathered in a month. Then, after

collecting the data the researchers analyzed and interpreted the gathered data.

In analyzing the data, the primary source was the information gathered from the

respondents based on the questionnaires that will be personally given to them. Otherwise, the

interpretation of the data was supported by the secondary sources of data that was from the

books, research studies, internet sources and other relevant printed materials that were available
in the library.