Evaluation of the Solid Waste Management of an Island Resort in Southern Luzon

Abstract

The study looks into the waste management system of an island resort in Southern Luzon. The resort is located at a marine protected area thus making the location more delicate and vulnerable. Waste disposal is difficult in an island setting as choices of onsite processing are limited thus requiring the need for the waste to be transported out to the mainland. The evaluation methodology relies heavily on International Organization of Standardization (ISO) analysis tools namely the Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and the Environmental Aspect Impact Evaluation (EAIE). These tools scrutinize the process and looks at the possible failure modes, root causes and controls. All failure modes are checked for the severity of impact, probability of occurrence and capacity of the controls to detect failures. The process covered three phases namely the collection of garbage at the resort, the transport and the final segregation and processing at the mainland Material Recovery Facility (MRF). To come up with a realistic evaluation of the process, evaluation came from all process owners including representatives from the company. The results showed that the failures are mostly due to the lack of sufficient control points; specifically the periodic evaluation of the records and the competencies of the employees involved. Fuelling this problem is the high turnover rate of the employees. These problem areas must be countered with continuous training and programs that will promote employee retention. Another solution is the establishment of lead times that will likewise measure the efficiency of the system. Positive findings include the strong involvement of the local community in the green approach of the establishment to doing business and the treatment of waste as a resource. In order to be replicated in similar settings, there is a need to start with a documented process, establish standards and enforce regulations that will ensure the constant observance of these set standards. The management must have a buy-in on the waste management initiative of the establishment.