A Case Study: The Level of Awareness of Grade Seven Students of Nabua National High

School Towards Proper Waste Disposal

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements

in Practical Research 2

Angela Kate B. Pontanares

Armee Jane Abaño
Kevin M. Asanza
Ashley C. Bonavente
Joseph Cate
Ma. Janen P. Cornelio
Nomar Moises B. Lanuzo
Julie Mae A. Nierva
Analyn B. Reyes
Kenneth M. Saliente

Presented to

Ms. Rachel Roda Cepe

Research Adviser

Nabua National High School

Nabua, Camarines Sur

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

TITTLE PAGE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION

 Background of the Study 3

 Statement of the Problem 5
 Hypothesis 6
 Significance of the Study 6
 Scope and Delimitation 8
 Definition of Terms 9

CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

 Review of Related Literature 11

 Review of Related Studies 13
 Synthesis and State-of-the-Art 15
 Theoretical Framework 17
 Conceptual Framework 19
 References 20

CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY

 Research Design 22
 Research Method 22
 Respondents 22
 Research Instruments 23
 Data Gathering Procedure 23
 Data Analysis 24
 Statistical Treatment 26

2
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In this day and age, where individuals are unaware of the waste they make in their homes

or workplaces, waste is a constant problem. Waste is a direct result of technical and social human

growth. Distinct wastes have different compositions that have changed over time and space, and

waste materials have a direct impact on industrial progress and innovation. Increased

industrialization and population would also result in an increase in environmental garbage. Solid

waste management is a perennial problem in the Philippines, and this can be due to a lack of

information dissemination on proper waste disposal. Waste segregation is the first step in having

a proper waste disposal system.

The issue of proper waste disposal has become a significant concern in recent years as the

amount of waste generated by human activities continues to increase. One important aspect of

addressing this issue is raising awareness among the population, particularly among the youth,

who will be the future leaders and decision-makers of society. The purpose of this study is to assess

Nabua National High School seventh-grade students' awareness of proper waste disposal in order

to identify areas where education and awareness-raising efforts can be concentrated. This can also

help guide local government and school officials in their efforts to develop and implement

effective waste management programs in their communities.

This study aims to know how seventh-grade students practice waste management at Nabua

National High School or if they implement it properly. According to the analysis, the nation's

3
challenges with solid waste management include an increase in the volume of waste, lax

enforcement of the law, a dearth of hygienic landfills, and incorrect disposal. Proper disposal

means placement in a designated waste receptacle or other suitable container and disposal in a

refuse container. Proper management practices help minimize the garbage and scraps that need

handling. Poorly handled waste can end up in rivers, oceans, and other water sources, polluting

the water and contaminating the soil below it.

There are various laws concerning this matter, like, for example, the Republic Act No.

9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which aims to promote and

institutionalize an ecological solid waste management program in the Philippines. It requires local

government units to establish and implement solid waste management programs and also

establishes the National Solid Waste Management Commission to oversee the implementation of

the law. It encourages citizens to practice reduction, recycling, and reuse of solid waste materials.

Waste disposal and management can be done by applying the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The

"3 Rs" stand for "reduce, reuse, and recycle" and are a framework for waste reduction and

management.

The concept of the 3 R's originated in Japan in the 1970s and was first formalized by the

government of Japan as a way to promote conservation of natural resources and reduce the

environmental impact of waste disposal. The 3Rs have been widely adopted by governments,

organizations, and individuals around the world as a way to promote sustainable waste

management and resource conservation. The 3Rs are widely used as a framework for solid waste

management, and have been integrated into laws, policies, and guidelines in many countries,

including the Philippines through Republic Act 9003.

4
 "Reduce" means to create less waste by buying only what is needed, and avoiding products

with excessive packaging. "Reuse" means finding new uses for products or materials instead of

throwing them away. "Recycle" means to process used materials into new products, thus extending

the life of the materials. These three things need to be fully understood and learned. A child should

know how to properly implement waste disposal, especially in school. A lot of students are

attending school, so it is needed every now and then.

Proper waste removal helps improve air and water quality and reduce greenhouse gas

emissions. It helps in minimizing the extraction of resources along with reducing pollution and

energy consumption, which are associated with manufacturing new materials. An effective way to

improve attitudes towards waste reuse and recycling is to integrate waste management education

into the school curriculum, particularly teaching children about the causes and consequences of

waste disposal and highlighting the importance of waste prevention, reuse, and recycling. Our

study underscores the need to continue to conduct an information and education campaign among

students and youth for proper waste disposal inside school campuses and in the immediate

surrounding communities.

The researchers developed the study "The Level of Awareness of Grade Seven Students of

Nabua National High School Towards Proper Waste Disposal" with the facts and information

gathered, with the aim of identifying or determining the level of awareness of grade seven students

toward proper waste disposal.

5
Statement of the Problem

Generally, the study entitled, “The Level of Awareness of Grade Seven Students of Nabua

National High School Towards Proper Waste Disposal,” aims to identify grade seven student’s

awareness towards proper waste disposal.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the level of awareness of grade 7 students on Garbage waste disposal?

2. What are factors affecting the level of awareness of grade 7 on garbage waste disposal?

How does the 3Rs affecting students’ implementation towards waste disposal?

3. How do the laws and the implementations against garbage waste affect the students in

Nabua National High School?

Hypothesis

1. The grade 7 students at NNHS are aware of proper waste disposal and are putting it into practice.

2. The grade 7 students at NNHS are aware of proper waste disposal. But they are lazy in putting

it into practice.

3. The grade 7 students at NNHS are not aware of proper waste disposal. So, they don't implement

it.

6
Significance of the Study

This study is designed to know the level of awareness of grade seven students of Nabua

National High School towards proper waste disposal. Thus, the study is set to be beneficial to the

following:

Students

This study helps students comprehend and determine how aware and if well they

implement proper waste disposal using numerical data.

Teacher

This research could help teachers assess how well-informed their students are regarding

proper waste disposal. This way, they can educate them about the potential outcomes or

consequences if the students have poor knowledge about this certain topic; otherwise, if the

students are already aware of it and implementing it, the teacher could encourage them to do it

more.

School

This study helps the school establish a good reputation using the conducted research that

will serve as evidence that their students are aware of proper waste disposal; otherwise, if the

majority of the students are unaware of this matter, the school will know if they should implement

or add regulations regarding proper waste disposal.

7
NDDRMC

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) would

benefit from the findings of this study when determining the best methods for minimizing plastic

waste. The findings will assist in reducing the detrimental effects of plastic trash on the

environment and inform the creation of policies and standards for waste management. This study

could serve as a guide for what programs and activities they should implement.

Local Government Unit

This study can help LGU identify any gaps in knowledge and understanding among grade

seven students in the area, which can then be addressed through targeted educational initiatives.

This study could also help improve solid waste management programs in the community. The

study can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current solid waste management

programs, and help pinpoint areas for improvement.

Community

This study can provide valuable information for the community to improve their waste

management practices, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment and raising awareness and

understanding of proper waste disposal, which can lead to a more sustainable and resilient

community.

Future Researchers

This study could serve as the basis for future researchers on similar topics, and it can be

used as one of their guides or references.

8
Scope and Delimitation

The primary goal of this study is to determine the level of awareness of proper waste

disposal among grade seven students at Nabua National High School. It also seeks to compare the

data to see whether these students have a low, neutral, or high awareness of proper waste disposal

for a more informative study. This research was conducted from December 8, 2022, until February

6, 2023. The researchers conducted surveys with selected seventh-grade students in each section

in order to provide honest and reliable answers to their concerns and questions. The researchers

decided to conduct the study solely in all seventh-grade sections. In order to accurately depict the

population and collect comprehensive data, the researchers chose to include all sections in grade

seven at the NNHS. The survey will focus on evaluating students’ awareness and implementation

of proper waste disposal. The collected data from the students in each section will be compared.

The researchers expect that their respondents will respond honestly based on their personal

experiences. The researchers will keep the research subjects’ collected data private and

confidential. The information gathered will be interpreted, compiled, and analyzed.

Definition of Terms

The key terms mentioned in the study were clearly outlined and defined.

Awareness. Awareness is the state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events,

objects, or sensory patterns.

Waste Disposal. Waste disposal is an activity that is directly responsible for much environmental

damage, and locating waste disposal sites, determining what waste materials were disposed of

9
through time and exactly where, and determining ownership and whether disposal methods were

proper or improper are important issues in environmental litigation .

NNHS. Nabua National High School

3R’s. 3Rs practicing is the fundamental element in the hierarchy of waste management, which

stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This practice plays a vital role in reducing wastes, helping

to minimize the negative impact on our environment.

Recycle. To sort and collect trash in order to treat it and produce useful materials that can be used

again

Reduce. To make something less in size, amount, degree, importance, or price: A low-fat diet can

reduce the risk of heart disease.

Reuse. Reusing is the act of taking old items that you might consider throwing away and finding

a new use for them. Get the most mileage out of the materials you encounter.

Environment. An Environment is everything that is around us, which includes both living and

nonliving things such as soil, water, animals and plants, which adapt themselves to their

surroundings. It is nature's gift that helps in nourishing life on Earth.

Health. Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the

absence of disease or infirmity.

Environmental Litigation. Environmental Litigation means any claims, actions, suits, proceedings

or investigations related to Environmental Matters pending or threatened against Seller with

respect to the ownership, use, condition, or operation of the Property in any court or before or by

any federal, state or other governmental agency.

10
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURES AND STUDIES

This chapter includes the Review of Related Literature and Studies in order to provide

support and foundation to the researchers’ study. Furthermore, this chapter includes the Synthesis

of the State of the Art to identify the researchers’ gap to be bridged as well as the theoretical and

conceptual framework to provide further support and provide the flow of the study.

Review of Related Literature

Level of Awareness

According to a website called Healthwise (2021) The phrase "level of consciousness" refers

to a person's awareness and comprehension of what is going on around them. According to Iser

(2020), there are three levels of awareness: low, moderate, and high. Your level of awareness is

the extent to which you are aware of what is going on around you, which will differ depending not

only on where you are and what you're doing but also on your entire environment. In any conflict,

the easiest parameter to control is your environment.

Waste Disposal

In a glossary called Glossary of Statistical terms, waste disposal was defined as waste

elimination techniques comprising landfills, containment, underground disposal, dumping at sea

and all other disposal methods.

11
 Famous and established dictionaries have defined what waste disposal is like; Britannica

define waste disposal as “the collection, processing, and recycling or deposition of the waste

materials of human society,” and Collins Dictionary which defined waste disposal as “the activity

of disposing of waste.”

Solid waste management is defined as the direct generation, collection, storage, transport,

source separation, processing, treatment, recovery and disposal of solid waste. It is a polite term

for garbage management. It is the response to the world’s stinking and escalating problem on the

garbage. The system of handling trash, be it municipal waste collection, recycling programs, open

dumping, incineration and gasification fall on the same category. Despite the years of attempting

to resolve the mounting waste problem, the problem still persist (Enriquez, 2011).

Despite the fact that not all of these collection system people seem to be unconcerned with

the amount of solid and semisolid waste they produce, solid waste management is one of the most

critical environmental problems today as reported by Guzman et al., (2010). Proper collection is a

solution to the country’s waste problem. Unfortunately, disposal would not be the most and sole

answer to this concern (Guzman et al., 2010).

Until recently, the disposal of municipal solid waste does not attract much public attention.

From prehistory through the present day, the favored means of disposal was simply to dump solid

waste outside the city and village limits (Enger & Smith, 2006). According to the Aeckerman

(1997), waste management is an integrated part of the sustainable development. As population

continues to grow and economy expands, there is a need to ensure the waste generated is properly

manage on order to preserve the existing environment for future generations.

12
Review of Related Studies

FOREIGN

According to Kassie, K.E. (2016), the broad phrase "waste management" encompasses

several different processes. In addition to physically destroying, chemically detoxifying, or

otherwise rendering garbage permanently harmless, it also involves recycling waste material,

treating waste, and disposing of or dumping waste into the air, water, or land (Ward and Dubos,

1972).

In the study of Khan, F., et.al (2019), the necessity for effective waste management has

arisen as a result of the fast development in urbanization. Plastic garbage from municipal sources

is becoming a bigger problem and seriously harming our ecosystem. If not addressed, this issue

will endanger both people and wildlife. The theory of planned behavior variables was used to

examine how customers felt about recycling plastic garbage. The results of the current study show

that when it comes to garbage disposal, different consumer characteristics and attitudes lead to

different forms of recycling behavior. (Bukhari, 2016)

According to Singh (2019), numerous characteristics in waste management systems, such

as the rate of waste production, the location of the disposal site, the cost of the treatment, and their

relationships, might be unknown and have an impact on the optimization procedures that go along

with them. Different imprecise programming techniques were used to handle these waste

management uncertainty challenges.

The investigation showed that by using these optimization strategies correctly, the effectiveness

of the waste management system may be maximized. Using the minimax regret optimization

13
methodology, this method divides an uncertainty problem into multiple subproblems with

certainty.

LOCAL

Sumalde (2004) found out that the LGUs incurred a substantial fiscal gap from the income

obtained and the amount needed to finance the solid waste management system. However, the

LGUs has several funding arrangements and options for the establishment of the solid waste

management system.

Stated by ADB (2003) The sources of funds for the LGUs include the following: (a) general

budgetary appropriations; (b) external sources; (c) cost recovery mechanisms such as collection of

waste fees and fines from waste violations; and (d) National Solid Waste Management Fund. Since

the passage of RA 9003 in 2011, there is a slow development of the solid waste management

system in the Philippines. The system is facing several issues and challenges such as inadequacy

of funds, lack of political will from the local officials, improper segregation at source and lack of

environmental awareness from the households.

According to Sumayao and de Guzman (2007), the knowledge of the households about

solid waste management is fairly high. As for the success of the waste management programs, the

households expect that the local officials will play proactive roles in implementing and monitoring

the said programs.

However, Cabañog (2008) found out that lack of environmental awareness of the

community hinders the success of the solid waste management programs. In addition to that, the

author stated that the inadequacy of funds and lack of political will from the local officials

influence the implementation of the solid waste management programs.

14
 Also, Bernardo (2008) observed that the households did not recognize the importance of

waste segregation implying the lack of information dissemination regarding solid waste

management from the government. As such, the household failed to practice segregation for the

reason of lack of time, space and cost.

According to the study of Barloa, E., et.al (2016), the ongoing global issue of improper

garbage disposal is a result of the continued growth in human population and fast industrialization.

The main problems with waste management, particularly in developing nations, are inefficient

trash collecting methods and a lack of disposal facilities.

Synthesis and State-of-the-Art

The researcher presented various related literature and studies regarding the research topic.

To have a clearer understanding of this literature and studies, the researchers made a synthesis in

the following discussion. One of the highlights centered on the students' level of awareness

regarding proper waste disposal.

According to "Awareness: Raising Green Best Practice Communities," an effective way to

improve attitudes towards waste reuse and recycling is to integrate waste management education

into the school curriculum, particularly teaching children about the causes and consequences of

waste disposal and highlighting the importance of solid waste management. Reducing waste will

not only protect the environment but will also save on costs or reduce expenses for disposal in the

same way that recycling and reusing the waste that is produced benefits the school environment

(IDEM 2018).

15
 According to Facilities Management (2020), poorly maintained waste facilities can pose

hazards to children. With regularly managed and maintained waste disposal facilities, your school

will be free from possible risks. Also, knowledge of waste disposal will be imparted to children. It

is beneficial for everyone to know how to dispose of their waste properly to contribute to the

improvement of our environment.

In conclusion, the behavior of generating garbage is too dangerous not only for today's

generation but also for future generations. It is critical to educate children to encourage them to

practice recycling, reuse, and reduce instead of producing waste; therefore, waste disposal should

be implemented not only in municipalities but also in schools.

16
Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework of this investigation is anchored in the reasoned action theory

developed by researchers to understand the level of awareness of Grade 7 students at Nabua

National High School (NNHS) towards proper waste disposal. According to the reasoned action

theory, which emphasizes the relationship between behavioral intention and behavior, behavioral

intention precedes action. Attitudes towards the action, as well as subjective norms, influence

behavioral intention, and the stronger the intention, the more likely the behavior will be carried

out.

Reinforcing the theoretical statement above, the Theory of Planned Behavior explains that

human actions are determined by a person's intention, which is influenced by their attitude in

combination with subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Both theories provide a

framework to help explain, understand, and predict human behaviors when an individual's

involvement is voluntary and self-controlled. In applying these theories to the study, the

researchers hypothesized that the level of awareness among Grade 7 students of the negative

consequences of indiscriminate waste disposal can positively influence their attitude toward

solving the waste problem, which will then be reflected in their actions of properly managing their

waste at home and at school.

On the other hand, while it is true that human behavior may be driven by an individual's

intention and attitude, self-interest can also play a vital role in decision-making and behavior.

According to Cesare Beccaria's Rational Choice Theory, individuals act with prudence and logic,

and the decision to act or not act is based on rational calculation, based on available options that

will guarantee the greatest satisfaction or profit for the individual. In other words, individual

17
human actions can be influenced by self-interest based on the pleasure and profit outcomes of

doing or not doing them.

Thus, the theory implies that proper waste management may not always be altruistic, but

may be influenced by weighing the costs and benefits. Solid waste management awareness, on the

other hand, is an environmental campaign that aims to instill in people the right attitude that will

gently motivate them to adopt desirable waste disposal practices at home, school, and elsewhere.

Reasoned Action Care Beccaria’s Theory of Planned

Theory Rational Choice
Behavior
Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen Theory
(1975) Icek Ajzen (1991)

Grade Seven Students’ Awareness and

Implementation of Proper Waste Disposal

Figure 1. Theoretical Paradigm

18
Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework of the study is based on the input-process-output model, which

is a systematic approach to understanding how different variables may affect the findings of the

study. The inputs of the study are the various factors that may influence the results, such as: the

level of awareness of seventh-grade students on Garbage waste disposal, the factors affecting the

level of awareness of grade seven on garbage waste disposal, 3Rs’ effect on students’

implementation towards waste disposal, and the effect of laws and implementations against

garbage waste disposal in Nabua National High School.

To gather data for the study, we employed two methods, including conducting surveys and

statistical and scientific treatment. These tools were chosen because they allow us to obtain a

comprehensive understanding of the topic and gather a wide range of perspectives from the

participants.

The output of the study is the proposal, suggestions or possible solutions for the topic under

investigation. These outputs will be based on the data gathered through the input-process stages

and analyzed to provide valuable insights and recommendations for addressing the research

question.

Furthermore, this approach allows us to identify the potential causes and factors that may

influence the outcome of the research, and provide meaningful solutions that are based on a

thorough understanding of the problem.

19
Figure 2. Conceptual Paradigm

20
 References

Healthwise staff (2021) MyHealth.Alberta.ca

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=not311&

Iser, A, (2021) Home Security. https://iserdefense.com/safety/levels-of-awareness/

Glossary of Statistical Terms (2001) Glossary of Environment Statistics, Studies in Methods,

Series F, No. 67, United Nations, New York, 1997.

https://stats.oecd.org/glossary/detail.asp?ID=648#:~:text=Definition%3A,and%20all%20

other%20disposal%20methods.

Abdul, R. (2017) Awareness on the Policies on Solid Waste Management Among Senior High

School Studenst of Southern Christian College, Midsayap, Cotabato.

https://robertbalinton143.wordpress.com/2017/03/10/review-or-related-

literature/?fbclid=IwAR1k4_x-f8N3FjETYLsa_-qdRo_n-ALzeqpL11-

v0qRVyrXynV0MbV1zvgI

Kassie, K.E. (2016). The problem of solid waste management and people awareness on appropriate

solid waste disposal in Bahir Dar City: Amhara region, Ethiopia. Retrieved from

https://academicjournals.org/journal/ISABB-JHE/article-full-text-pdf/5F8EE9559300

Khan, F., Ahmed, W., Najmi, A., & Younus, M. (2019). Managing plastic waste disposal by

assessing consumers’ recycling behavior: the case of a densely populated developing

country. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-019-06411-4

21
Singh, A. (2019). Managing the uncertainty problems of municipal solid waste disposal. Retrieved

from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301479719303159.

Madriga, D., & Oracion. E. (2017). Solid Waste Management Awareness, Attitude, and Practices

in a Philippine Catholic Higher Education Institution. Retrieved from

https://rmrj.usjr.edu.ph/rmrj/index.php/RMRJ/article/view/312

Debrah, J.K., Vidal, D.G., & Dinis, M.A. (2021). Raising Awareness on Solid Waste Management

through Formal Education for Sustainability: A Developing Countries Evidence Review.

Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2313-4321/6/1/6

Barloa, E., Lapie, L., & Dela Cruz, C.P (2016). Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Solid

Waste Management among Undergraduate Students in a Philippine State University.

Retrieved from https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/234664648.pdf

22
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

In this study, quantitative research method was used. The researchers employed descriptive

phenomenology method because the researchers surveyed and interviewed about their own

experiences to fulfill the information that were needed in conducting this study. The descriptive

phenomenology method was used in determining the level of awareness of G7 Students of NNHS

towards proper waste disposal. Face to face interview was conducted. Survey forms with open

ended questions were distributed. At the end of the study, the researchers aim to contextualize the

level of awareness of G7 Students of NNHS towards proper waste disposal.

Research Method

This study used the descriptive research method, which can involve the use of a variety of

research methods to investigate the variables in a question. The researchers have no control over

or manipulation of any variable. Instead, the variables are only identified, observed, and measured.

Respondents

Selected five (5) seventh-grade students per section out of twenty-six (26) sections of

Nabua National High School will be the respondents of the study. There will be no gender

23
preference in selecting participants to answer the survey forms and interviews. The selected

seventh-grade students will be the focus of the questionnaire of our study.

The sampling method used in the study is simple random sampling. In this method, the

researchers randomly select a subset of participants from the population of Grade 7 students at

Nabua National High School. The sample size will be determined based on the specific research

question, the research design, and the available resources. The sample size should be large enough

to be representative of the population and ensure that the results are statistically meaningful.

Research Instruments

A questionnaire was given to five students per section, selected randomly from each

section. The study was focused solely on seventh-grade students at Nabua National High School.

The purpose and method of the study were explained to the students and teachers to get their

consent. The instrument of research was a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed

to assess students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice of proper waste disposal in school. The

questionnaire includes fifteen questions related to awareness and whether they are putting it into

action or not.

Data Gathering Procedure

A letter of request to conduct the study was prepared. We secured permissions from the

selected Grade 7 students of Nabua National High School through a thorough and ethical process.

After obtaining approval, we scheduled a meeting with the students to inform them about the

24
purpose of our study and how their responses to the questions would be treated confidentially and

used for the purpose of our study.

We also met with the Grade 7 adviser to coordinate the schedule for conducting our study.

The survey and were conducted on January 27, 2023 We also took the time to explain the nature

of the checklist and answer any questions the students may have had. The survey itself took only

20 minutes to complete, making it convenient for the students to participate without disrupting

their regular class schedule. The researcher conducts the study at Nabua National High School

using a survey because the survey method allows the researcher to determine what the results

would be if they had a proper waste disposal system. The researcher explains to the respondents

the importance of their response to the study. The researcher clarifies some terms for the

respondents so that they can confidently answer the questionnaire as the subject of the study.

Overall, the process was well organized, respectful of the students' rights, and mindful of

the importance of obtaining informed consent. We were able to collect valuable data for our study

while also maintaining the trust and cooperation of the students and their teachers.

Data Analysis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of awareness of proper waste disposal

among Grade 7 students at Nabua National High School in the Philippines. The study was

conducted in light of the alarming amount of garbage generated daily in the country, which

includes plastic waste that poses a significant threat to the environment and marine life.

The researchers employed a descriptive phenomenology method. The survey questionnaire was

used as the main data gathering tool to gather information and data about the students' level of

25
awareness of proper waste disposal. The survey questionnaires were distributed among a selected

group of Grade 7 students at NNHS.

The data collected from the survey questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics

such as percentage distribution and weighted mean. The findings of the study suggest that while

the students have a high level of awareness in terms of attitudes, practices, and disposal, there is

still a need to further clarify and educate them on these topics. The study found that there is a gap

in the students' understanding of the benefits of proper waste disposal and the consequences of not

doing so.

The researchers recommend implementing measures such as posting signage and posters

on trash cans to raise awareness and encourage proper waste disposal and recycling management

among the students. The study also suggests that regular seminars and workshops can be conducted

to educate the students about the importance of proper waste disposal and the impact of their

actions on the environment.

Overall, the study highlights the importance of proper waste disposal in promoting physical

and mental health and protecting the environment. It also suggests ways to improve awareness and

attitudes towards waste disposal among students, which can contribute to a cleaner and healthier

community. The study hopes to serve as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and

community leaders in addressing the issue of waste disposal in the Philippines.

26
Statistical Treatment

The researchers will use descriptive statistics for the statistical treatment. Descriptive

statistics, according to Bhandari (2020), define and categorize the aspects of a data set, which is a

collection of answers or views from a sample or the entire population. There are three types of

descriptive statistics: distribution, central tendency, and variability. However, descriptive statistics

do not allow us to draw inferences outside of the data we have examined or to draw judgments

about any potential hypotheses. They serve only as a means of describing our data. The researchers

will particularly apply the percentage technique under descriptive statistics to figure out and

compute the percentage of respondents who answered each question. The equation is shown

below:

Formula: P= Percentage n= Number of respondents N= Total number of respondents

𝑛 𝑥 100
𝑃=
𝑁

27