Philippine E-Journals

Material recovery appraisal of solid wastes in universities: An audit of faculty rooms in selected HEIs of Baguio City, Philippines

Danesto B. Anacio | Romeo Gomez Jr.

 

Abstract:

The material recovery potential of generated solid wastes was determined in faculty rooms of three higher education institutions (HEIs) in Baguio City, Philippines, using a waste assessment and characterization survey (WACS). Results show that approximately 90% of solid wastes are potentially recoverable, as residual wastes only account 6% – 11%. In terms of waste generation rates, faculty personnel generate wastes at a rate of 0.8 kg/capita/day to 2.9 kg/ capita/day. Furthermore, it is estimated that monetary equivalents of recoverable materials range from P1.59 – P11.98 per day ($1.00 = P43.00, 2010). In spite of preliminary material recovery efforts practiced in universities, the amount of wastes that can be diverted from the final waste stream is still high, and unfortunately not utilized. It is recommended that untapped monetary values of generated solid wastes should prompt partnerships between HEIs and various stakeholders involved in the waste management stream to recover and monetize reusable and recyclable wastes.