The Implications of Plastic Waste Management Strategies in Municipality of Bansalan,

Davao del Sur

CASE ANALYSIS

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

GE 15 - 227

Submitted by:

Jerry O. Tiongson Jr.

Lester B. Dinoy

Submitted to:

Prof. Dyan Beth Jorolan, PhD

September 25, 2023

 INTRODUCTION

The management of plastic waste has become a critical issue in today's world, with far-
reaching implications for the environment, public health, and the global economy. As our
reliance on plastic products continues to grow, so does the challenge of disposing of and
recycling these materials responsibly. This introduction explores the multifaceted implications of
plastic waste management strategies, from the environmental consequences of plastic pollution
to the economic opportunities presented by innovative recycling and reduction initiatives.
Understanding these implications is essential for crafting effective policies and practices to
address the ever-escalating problem of plastic waste.

Niyitanga Evode, Sarmad Ahmad Qamar, Muhammad Bilal, Damià Barceló, Hafiz M.N.
Iqbal (2021) stated the massive consumption of a wide range plastic products has generated a
huge amount of plastic waste. There is a need to provide awareness of their uses and routine
management as a part of our lifestyle. Nowadays, plastics are increasingly being used in our
daily life activities, including the packaging in different food and brewing companies, cosmetics,
pharmaceutical, and other production sectors need to pack their end products for efficient and
safer product’s delivery to the community. Plastics are produced through the biochemical
process of polymerization or polycondensation. The post-use of generated plastic waste has
many adverse impacts on the environment if not processed and managed in a proper way. They
aims to discuss the lifecycle of plastic products according to their different categories, including
polyvinyl chloride (PVC–U), polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), polypropylene (PP), high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), and others. Herein, its also discussed
the problems caused by the inadequate processing of plastic waste and the possible solutions
that can be provided to ensure a good atmosphere and to reduce the causes of climate
changes, which is challenging to life on this planet.

According to Guevarra S. (2022) the Philippines is considered the third-largest

contributor to plastic waste worldwide, contributing to an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of
ocean plastic every year. Dubbed as the “sachet economy,” the Philippines is notorious for
irresponsible trash haulers and open dump sites that cause the plastic to spill into the seas.
Contrary to popular belief, however, this waste is not solely generated by the country alone. The
Philippines is only one among the many Southeast Asian countries that receive illegal imports of
plastic waste from developed countries. Indeed, the Global North is just as accountable for what
is considered a domestic problem.
 The effective plastic waste management strategies at the municipal level are essential
for mitigating the environmental and social challenges posed by plastic waste in Municipality of
Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The municipality plays a pivotal role in implementing and enforcing
policies that promote responsible plastic use, recycling, and disposal. By adopting a
comprehensive approach that includes public awareness campaigns, robust recycling
infrastructure, and collaborations with businesses and communities, municipalities can make
significant strides in reducing plastic waste.

Related Review of Literature

In the realm of plastic waste management, this case study serves as a valuable entry
point into the rich landscape of existing literature and reviews. By focusing on specific instances
of successful strategy implementation, this review aims to distill key insights and lessons
learned from various regions and initiatives across the globe. The comprehensive analysis
presented here delves into the effectiveness of diverse approaches, assessing the impact of
legislative frameworks, technological innovations, community engagement, and more. Through
this examination, we aim to provide a synthesized overview of the state of plastic waste
management strategies, offering a foundation upon which policymakers, researchers, and
practitioners can build to create sustainable and effective solutions in the ongoing battle against
plastic pollution.

Historical Perspective

The evolution of plastics, starting with the birth of synthetic materials like Celluloid in
1873 and Bakelite in 1907, which revolutionized industries using coal waste. Cellophane’s
diverse applications emerged in 1908, followed by PVC, cellophane tape, and polyethylene. The
mid-20th century witnessed Nylon, Teflon, Tupperware, and Dacron suits, showcasing plastics’
versatility. The healthcare industry was transformed with disposable plastic syringes in 1955,
while plastic shopping bags, introduced in 1965, later raised environmental concerns. Tyvek and
GORE-TEX in the late 1960s offered numerous applications. The 1990s brought awareness of
plastic’s environmental impact, culminating in legislative actions like the Microbead-Free Waters
Act (2015) and Save Our Seas 2.0 Act (2020), highlighting both plastics’ transformative power
and the growing need for environmental considerations in their use. (Chesapeake Quarterly,
2020)
 According to World Bank and Partnership in Environmental Management for Seas of
East Asia (PEMSEA) in 2022 that despite the enactment of the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000, the Philippines faces persistent challenges in its solid waste
management (SWM) efforts. Notably, the issue of plastic waste has gained prominence due to
its far-reaching environmental impacts, extending beyond the country’s borders. Research
indicates that the Philippines, along with China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, collectively
contributes to a significant portion, approximately 55 to 60 percent, of plastic waste in the
world’s oceans. Furthermore, the Philippines ranks among the countries with the lowest rates of
effective plastic recycling, with merely 28 percent of consumed plastics being recycled in 2019.
Uncycled plastics find their way into dumpsites, landfills, as litter, and even into water systems,
eventually polluting marine environments. It evaluates the national-level policies governing
plastic waste management in the Philippines, aiming to support government initiatives for
improved waste management and the promotion of circular-economy practice.

Current Plastic Pollution Crisis

Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental problem due to the soaring
production of single-use plastic items, surpassing our capacity to manage them. This issue is
particularly evident in economically disadvantaged regions of Asia and Africa, where waste
collection systems are frequently inadequate or absent. However, even affluent nations,
particularly those with limited recycling practices, struggle to effectively gather and manage
discarded plastics. The prevalence of plastic waste has prompted initiatives to draft a worldwide
treaty under the auspices of the United Nations. (National Geographic Society, 2022)

Guevarra S. (2022) stated that the Philippines faces a significant plastic waste crisis,
ranking as the third-largest contributor to global ocean plastic pollution, adding approximately
0.75 million metric tons annually. The country’s “sachet economy” and inadequate waste
management infrastructure lead to plastic waste spilling into the oceans, but this issue is
exacerbated by illegal imports of plastic waste from developed nations. The problem isn’t limited
to the Philippines alone, highlighting the shared responsibility of the Global North. Solutions
must extend beyond individual actions to systemic changes, such as embracing circular
economy principles and advocating for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to hold
corporations accountable for their plastic products’ end-of-life impacts.

Legislative Frameworks and Policy Analysis

 In 2023, the Philippines has taken a significant step in the battle against plastic pollution
by enacting the “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) law. This legislation mandates EPR
for businesses with assets exceeding ₱100 million and encourages smaller businesses to
participate voluntarily. At the heart of EPR is the “polluter pays” principle, holding plastic
packaging producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, including waste
management costs. With the nation struggling to keep up with the demands of reducing,
recycling, and reusing plastic, this law shifts the burden from overwhelmed Local Government
Units (LGUs) to businesses. Under the new law, businesses are incentivized to recover their
plastic packaging waste, establish collection hubs, partner with LGUs for waste recovery, and
set up large-scale recycling facilities, helping to alleviate the strain on LGUs and advance
sustainable waste management practices. ( MONA SUR, JUNU SHRESTHA, AGNES
BALOTA,2023)

In addition, Solid Waste Management (SWM) is considered to be one of the most

serious environmental issues in the Philippines. The annual waste generation was estimated at
10 million tons in 2010 and this is expected to rise by 40% in 2020. The Republic Act (RA) 9003,
otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, provides the
necessary policy framework, institutional mechanisms and mandate to the local government
unites (LGUs) to achieve 25% waste reduction through establishing an integrated solid waste
management plans based on 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycling). The findings suggest that the
impacts of the national mandate can be achieved if the LGUs have the high level of political
commitment, development of effective local strategies in collaborative manner, partnership
building with other stakeholders, capacity development, adequate financing and incentives, and
in the close monitoring and evaluation of performance. (Gamaralalage D., Canete A., Nagaishi
M., 2013)

Technological Innovations

Plastics are integral to our daily lives, but the inevitable generation of plastic waste
necessitates innovative solutions for sustainable management. Utilizing recycled plastic waste
in construction emerges as a promising approach, and it explores current research in this field.
The key findings highlight the potential of using plastic waste in construction to address waste
management challenges, reduce the reliance on raw materials, and support the principles of the
circular economy. Furthermore, this approach promotes the long-term use of plastic waste
compared to its short-lived presence in new products, thereby curbing the generation of
additional plastic waste. Plastic waste can effectively serve as an aggregate, binder, and fiber in
construction, offering a viable substitute for various components used in cementitious
composites while maintaining satisfactory overall performance in the final composite material.
(Ehsan Naderi Kalali, Saeid Lotfian, Marjan Entezar Shabestari, Saber Khayatzadeh,
Chengshou Zhao, Hamed Yazdani Nezhad, 2023)

According to Australian Government (2023) that taking immediate action to combat

plastic pollution involves several key steps. Firstly, it’s crucial to reduce plastic waste at its
source by discontinuing the use of unnecessary single-use plastics, like cutlery and straws,
while opting for reusable alternatives. Additionally, avoiding products with excessive plastic
packaging whenever possible is essential. Secondly, taking responsibility for recycling is vital.
Look for the Australian Recycling Label (ARL) to understand which parts of packaging can be
recycled, and consider participating in container deposit schemes to earn money by returning
used containers, thereby diverting plastic from landfills. These measures collectively contribute
to reducing plastic’s environmental impact.

Economic Dimensions

According to the Shakti Plastic Industries(2021) that plastic recycling offers several key
economic benefits. Firstly, it significantly reduces the cost of acquiring raw materials for
manufacturers, making recycled plastic a more cost-effective option than virgin materials,
thereby enhancing profitability and competitiveness. Secondly, plastic recycling leads to
substantial energy savings and decreased greenhouse gas emissions compared to the energy-
intensive process of producing plastic from new materials, contributing to a cleaner
environment. Thirdly, it generates employment opportunities and supports economic growth by
requiring a skilled workforce for recycling facilities and related businesses. Lastly, plastic
recycling reduces the financial burden of plastic waste management for municipalities and
governments, freeing up resources for critical sectors like education, healthcare, and
infrastructure development. These economic advantages underscore the importance of
embracing plastic recycling as a sustainable and financially viable practice.

In the pursuit of a new plastics economy, the objective is to prevent plastic from ever
becoming waste or pollution, envisioning a circular system. Three crucial actions are outlined to
achieve this goal: elimination, innovation in reusability and recyclability, and effective material
circulation. Firstly, eliminating problematic and unnecessary plastic items is imperative to reduce
the material that needs to be circulated in the economy. Secondly, innovating to ensure that the
plastic products we do require are reusable, recyclable, or compostable helps keep them within
the economic cycle. Lastly, material circulation involves the development of systems that collect,
sort, breakdown, and rebuild packaging materials, enabling them to re-enter the economy.
These actions are essential as the demand for plastic packaging is projected to double, making
the circular economy approach vital to prevent plastic pollution and waste. (Ellen MacArthur
Foundation)

Proposed Solution

In the context of plastic waste management, this case study introduces a practical and
successful implementation of comprehensive strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental
effects of plastic pollution. By examining a specific region’s approach to this global issue, we
gain valuable insights into real-world solutions that have yielded tangible results. This case
study will delve into the challenges faced, the methodologies applied, and the outcomes
achieved in the concerted effort to manage plastic waste effectively. Through a detailed
exploration of this case, we aim to offer a blueprint for other communities and regions seeking
sustainable and impactful solutions to the ever-growing problem of plastic waste.

Here are five proposed solutions for the implementation of plastic waste management
strategies:

1. Enhanced Recycling Infrastructure

 Invest in and expand recycling facilities to make plastic recycling more
accessible and efficient.
 Implement advanced sorting and processing technologies to improve the
quality of recycled materials.
 Promote recycling education and awareness to encourage individuals and
businesses to participate actively.
2. Plastic Packaging Reduction
 Encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such
as biodegradable materials or reusable containers.
 Implement plastic usage reduction policies, like plastic bag bans or fees,
to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
 Promote the use of refill stations for common household products to
reduce the need for plastic packaging.
3. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
  Enforce EPR regulations that make manufacturers responsible for the full
lifecycle of their products, including proper disposal and recycling.
 Establish recycling targets and financial incentives for companies that
meet or exceed recycling goals.
4. Community-Based Initiatives
 Support and fund community-led plastic waste management programs,
such as local clean-up efforts and plastic collection initiatives.
 Promote educational campaigns that inform communities about the
importance of responsible plastic waste disposal and reduction.
5. Innovation in Plastic Alternatives
 Invest in research and development of sustainable and biodegradable
alternatives to conventional plastics.
 Encourage the adoption of innovative materials like plant-based plastics
or edible packaging in various industries.

Recommendation

The implementation of plastic waste management strategies should begin with a focus
on enhancing recycling infrastructure and promoting plastic packaging reduction. These two
solutions are often considered among the most effective in addressing the plastic waste
challenge comprehensively.

Firstly, investing in enhanced recycling infrastructure is a foundational step. This involves

expanding recycling facilities, introducing advanced sorting and processing technologies, and
launching educational campaigns to boost participation. These efforts not only divert plastic
waste from landfills but also create a more efficient circular economy by reusing valuable
resources.

Secondly, reducing plastic packaging plays a crucial role in curbing plastic waste at its
source. Encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging alternatives, supported by
policies such as plastic bag bans or fees, can substantially decrease the generation of plastic
waste. Additionally, the promotion of refill stations for everyday products aligns with reducing
plastic packaging while encouraging sustainable consumer behaviors.
 By implementing these two solutions in tandem, communities and organizations can
effectively manage existing plastic waste while simultaneously taking steps to reduce the
production of new plastic waste. However, the choice of which strategies to prioritize should
consider local circumstances, available resources, and the specific challenges faced in
Municipality of Bansalan, Davao del Sur.

References

 D, M. B., f, D. B., & AbstractThe massive consumption of a wide range

plastic products has generated a huge amount of plastic waste. There is a need to
provide awareness of their uses and routine management as a part of our lifestyle.
Nowadays, H. M. N. I. (2021, September 27). Plastic waste and its management
strategies for Environmental Sustainability. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental
Engineering. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666016421000645
 Guevarra, S. (n.d.). The face of plastic. Ateneo de Manila University.
https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2022/07/18/face-plastic

 Premakumara Jagath DICKELLA GAMARALALAGE, Aloysius Mariae L. Canete, &

Masaya Nagaishi. (n.d.). Policy implementation of the republic act (RA) 9003 in the ... - iges.
https://www.iges.or.jp/en/pub/policy-implementation-republic-act-ra-9003/en
 Chesapeake Quarterly. (2021, September 28). The evolution of plastic. ArcGIS
StoryMaps. https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/455ad5560f124e339985007fac3b972f
 Completed by the World Bank and PEMSEA. (2022, June 15). Reducing plastic
waste in the Philippines : An assessment of policies and regulations to guide country
dialogue and facilitate action. PEMSEA. http://pemsea.org/publications/reports/reducing-
plastic-waste-philippines-assessment-policies-and-regulations-guide
 National Geographic Society. (n.d.). The world’s Plastic Pollution Crisis
explained. Education. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/worlds-plastic-
pollution-crisis-explained/
 SUR, M., SHRESTHA, J., & BALOTA, A. (n.d.). Addressing the plastic
pollution crisis in the Philippines: New momentum. World Bank Blogs.
https://blogs.worldbank.org/eastasiapacific/addressing-plastic-pollution-crisis-philippines-
new-momentum
 Ehsan Naderi Kalali , Saeid Lotfian, Marjan Entezar Shabestari, Chengshou
Zhao  , Saber Khayatzadeh, Hamed Yazdani Nezhad, 6, & AbstractOne of
the main environmentally threatening factors is plastic waste which generates in great
quantity and causes severe damage to both inhabitants and the environment.
Commonly. (2023, February 4). A critical review of the current progress of Plastic Waste
Recycling Technology in structural materials. Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable
Chemistry. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452223623000123
 Change, D. of C. C., Energy, the Environment, and Water. (1970, January 1).
How you can reduce plastic waste. DCCEEW.
https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/waste/publications/how-you-can-
reduce-plastic-waste-fs#:~:text=The%20simplest%20way%20to%20reduce,recycled
%20if%20other%20alternatives%20exist.
 ShaktiPlastic, T. S. P. I. (2023, July 5). What are the economic benefits of Plastic
Recycling. https://www.shaktiplasticinds.com/what-are-the-economic-benefits-of-plastic-
recycling/
 The Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.). Plastics and the circular economy. How
to Build a Circular Economy. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/plastics-and-the-
circular-economy-deep-dive