Proposed Solutions to Improper Solid Waste Disposal

For many years now, improper solid waste disposal has been one of the major problems in La Trinidad. It has caused a lot of problems to the society and community in general. It has affected the environment much. One example is the Balili river- It is heavily polluted, because of the illegal dumping of garbage into the river system by the people who live along it. Consequently, this causes diseases, pollution, and a dirty environment.

If not taken seriously into action, the more our town will worsen. The more we have diseases in our environment such as dengue for example, which is a fatal disease and has many cases in Baguio and Benguet. It will also cause clogging of waterways like canals, drainages, and creeks which causes flooding.

We must address this problem before it worsens. The residents, the community, and the government has a role to play.

1. Inform/Educate People on Proper Solid Waste Disposal

Education is important to make people aware, have an understanding, and to influence their behavior on what solid waste management is all about. People will be more empowered when educated about proper waste disposal. They will take responsibility in their roles as a citizen. Just as Frederick the Great quotes "An educated people can be easily governed."

There are ways of informing and educating people. One is inclusion about solid waste management to the school curriculum. Another way is through social media. Our group made a Facebook page Aglinis Tayo Apo which is one of our campaign to educate people about proper solid waste management by posting relevant topics. We also have a web-page open for discussions at Aglinis Tayo Apo.

2. Installation of Segregation Bins

a. Biodegradable, Non-biodegradable, Recyclable

Segregating wastes is the key to helping solve the garbage pollution problem of the municipality. With these three bins implemented in every household there wouldn't be much trouble in the dump sites now as garbage will lessen.

b. Composting bins

Each household can have a composting bin which segregates kitchen wastes. The wastes dumped into the bin will later on serve as a fertilizer for your home garden. This not only helps solve the garbage problem, but it will also help promote a greener environment.

c. Installation of 3 Dumpsters

A dumpster is a better alternative over the typical garbage cage you see along the streets. It’s way cleaner to look at and in the same time more convenient and larger. It would be a great idea to get the attention of the government to implement and establish this dumpsters for every street.

We propose 3 dumpsters corresponding to the three bins integrated inside the households for easy classification. The faster the garbage to be segregated the lesser the cost and harm for maintaining the dump site.

3. Clean Up Drive

Regular clean up drives should be implemented as it is a key to solving the disposal problem. Each barangay should have its own clean up drive so that they would have to clean and regulate their own land; and in return get rewarded by the local government.

4. Crafting/Enforcement of Solid Waste Laws

If there are no laws and regulations then people would not have discipline in the things they do. That is why we are pushing for Solid Waste Laws to regulate dumping of wastes, littering, control of stray animals that scatter garbage, and scavengers in the municipality. And these laws should be enforced so violators would be penalized. Also, part of the law should also include incentives to be given to communities who are doing good practices in proper solid waste disposal and segregation.

a. Littering

People who litter should be fined, but seemingly we don’t have such a law. Littering will not only cause pollution, but will also cause flooding in the streets. Davao City has an anti-littering ordinance act and why can’t we?

b. Stray Animals

People aren’t the only cause of garbage being scattered along the streets, but also the stray animals. If people see stray animals (dogs and cats specifically) scattering garbage along the streets, they should report them to the local government. Even untied pets scatter too, so people must be responsible with their pets.

c. Scavenging

Some people scavenge for materials to sell in the garbage bins which is an unethical and uncivilized practice. They too cause littering of garbage. They must be fined however when caught if such a law will be implemented.

Conclusion

If improper solid waste disposal will be addressed with our proposed solutions, we will have a cleaner, greener, healthier environment, and a better place to live in.

We will likewise attract investors and the tourism industry will also improve which will contribute a lot to the economy of the municipality.