Assessing the Implementation of Republic Act 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management in Sorsogon City

Abstract

Enacted to protect the environment and public health, Republic Act 9003 (RA 9003) aims to ensure that solid waste is properly separated, collected, transported, stored, treated, and disposed of by developing and implementing the best environmental practices in Ecological Waste Management. This study assessed the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) in Sorsogon City. The respondents of the study were taken from 100 households and business establishments. Unstructured interviews, survey methods, and questionnaire checklists were employed. The common wastes found in households and business establishments as biodegradable were peelings, leftovers, fish/fowl, softshells, seeds, leaves, flowers, twigs, trimmings, and weeds. As to non-biodegradable, the common wastes found were the following: cans, dry papers, straw/jute/containers, and plastic bottles. Lack of material recovery facilities during program implementation, lack of coordination and cooperation between barangay officials and residents regarding waste management, and lack of knowledge about appropriate waste management were the issues. Disseminating information and implementing enforcement measures for waste segregation for both residential and commercial buildings should be done. Improvements should be made to the barangay's services and collection and disposal plans to better meet the needs of businesses and homes. Adopt and carry out the suggested action plan