Interim Solid Waste Management Strategy for Lumban, Laguna: Addressing the Problems of Open Dumpsite and Overall Improvement of Solid Waste Management System

Abstract

The study deals with the problem of solid waste management resulting into the formulation of a locally-based solid waste management strategy that offers option to the Lumban LGU in addressing the open dumpsite problems and solid waste management system improvement in relation to the limited capacity and resources of the LGU. Ocular inspection, data collection and key informant interviews were conducted to identify the general conditions of the area and the existing condition of the dumpsite and waste management practices. The continued operation of the open dumpsite threatens to contaminate water resources, increase the possibility of landslides, imposed health risk and creates negative effects on the surrounding environment, sources of income and local tourism. Threat on water resources, effects of dumpsite to local tourism, possible landslide and the absence of MRF are the issues identified by the informants directly attributed to the dumpsite while the disposal of residual waste, lack of segregation, lack of environmental awareness, inadequate municipal waste collection system and payment of garbage fees are the issues and concerns relevant to the overall waste management practices in Lumban. These identified issues exacerbate the problems on the dumpsite and require immediate interventions. Interim solid waste management strategy includes environmental education, reduction of solid waste volume for waste disposal through barangay approach to SWM including MRF establishment, segregation at source, composting and a review of garbage fees. With the existing financial constraints, this interim strategy can assist the LGU of Lumban to improve their solid waste management practices and reduce the volume of solid waste going to the open dumpsite until such time that a 10-year solid waste management plan would have been drafted and approved. This strategy can be adopted by other LGUs especially by other low income municipalities having similar conditions with Lumban.