Change in mindset on solid wastes handling reduces wastes

By Susan Aro

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A change in outlook and habits in handling household wastes  will greatly  help in reducing wastes that go all the way to the disposal facility.

According to Joyce Ann Almoite-Mangsat, Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau Cordillera Regional Solid Waste Coordinator, the major source of wastes comes from the household and the remaining wastes from other institutions where people are transients.

There has to be a change in behavior   to achieve waste reduction at home, Mangsatsaid, adding proper waste segregation is a matter of attitude or change in mindset.

Mangsat spoke before students of   Benguet State University National Service Training Program   in a Kalikasan Camp March 28-29  at the BSU Integrated Highland Farm Systems Agriculture Training Center in Longlong, Puguis here.

She said the Ecological Solid Waste Management law or Republic Act 9003,  requires segregation of seven types of wastes such as biodegradable which comprise half of the total household wastes and the other half   as non-biodegradable categorized into plastics, paper, glass, metal, residual and special wastes.

Sharing her experiences, food waste could be used as pet or animal feeds while kitchen, yard and animal wastes  can be developed as compost for soil conditioner.  If this is done, half of the total wastes will be reduced at the household level, she said.

The setting up of mini- material recovery facility (MRF) at home temporarily serves  as storage for non-biodegradable materials said Mangsat. If accumulated, they could be sold to recycling centers. Plastic and styro wastes are sold from P0.50 to P1.00 per kilogram.

Aside from selling the collected recyclable materials, these could be re-used as containers, organizers or materials for arts craft.

The benefits of recycling in preserving and conserving the environment should be looked into other than the financial benefits, Mangsat  said.

According to the waste analysis and characterization study (WACS) of the Asian Development Bank, wastes generated per capita per day is one person generates .25 to .50 kilogram wastes.  As per 2006 WACS In La Trinidad, a person generates an average of 0.47 kg.

Whatever status in life is a person is young or old alike, each generates wastes at the time of waking up till sleeping time, she said.

Mangsat urged BSU students to help advocate solid waste management at the household level in their outreach programs as their office cannot do this alone adding that they could only be effective advocates if they truly practice segregation.

 "You just have to believe in yourself that you can do it and manage your garbage properly and you will make a difference,” she  said.