ACTION PLAN: IMPROVING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

RATIONALE

The Philippines is facing a significant solid waste management crisis, with millions of tons of

waste generated every year, and a lack of adequate waste infrastructure and services. This has led

to environmental pollution, health hazards, and social issues, particularly in urban areas. The

country's current waste management practices are not sustainable, and urgent action is needed to

address this challenge.

Improving solid waste management is critical for protecting public health, promoting

sustainable development, and achieving the country's environmental goals. By strengthening the

policy and regulatory framework, improving waste infrastructure and services, promoting

resource efficiency and waste reduction, and building partnerships and stakeholder engagement,

the Philippines can achieve a clean and sustainable environment for all its citizens.

Strengthening the policy and regulatory framework will ensure that there are clear guidelines and

regulations in place to manage solid waste, and that local government units (LGUs) have the

capacity to implement solid waste management programs. Implementing a nationwide public

awareness campaign on solid waste management will help to educate the public on the

importance of proper waste management and disposal, and encourage responsible

behavior.

Improving waste infrastructure and services, including waste collection, disposal, and recycling,

is essential for managing the large volumes of waste generated in the Philippines. Upgrading

waste collection and disposal facilities, developing and promoting waste-to-energy (WTE)

technologies, and encouraging private sector participation in solid waste management will help

to improve waste management practices and reduce the environmental impact of waste.
 OBJECTIVES:

1. To strengthen the policy and regulatory framework for solid waste management in the

Philippines.

2. To improve waste infrastructure and services in the Philippines, including waste

collection, disposal, and recycling.

3. To promote resource efficiency and waste reduction in the Philippines, including waste

reduction, reuse, and recycling.

4. To build partnerships and stakeholder engagement in solid waste management in the

Philippines, including community participation, private sector involvement, and inter-

agency collaboration.

METHODOLOGY

1. Contextual Assessment:

 Evaluate the current state of solid waste management in the Philippines, including

infrastructure, policies, and challenges.

 Stakeholder Engagement:

 Engage with government entities, communities, NGOs, private sector, and experts to

gather insights and build collaborative partnerships.

2. Strategic Planning:

 Develop a comprehensive action plan based on identified needs, goals, and best practices

in solid waste management.

3. Key Findings Identification:

 Analyze data and research to identify key findings and areas for improvement in solid

waste management practices.

4. Action Plan Creation:

 Formulate a detailed action plan with clear objectives, strategies, and timelines for

implementation.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROJECT IN THE

PHILIPPINES MAY INCLUDE

 Local government units (LGUs) such as provinces, cities, and municipalities

 Barangay officials and residents

 Technical experts in waste management, environmental protection, and civil engineering

 Financial and legal experts

 Waste-to-energy (WTE) plant operators and maintenance staff

 Sanitary landfill operation staff

 Public health officials

 Community-based organizations and NGOs

 Private sector partners, including waste management companies and recycling facilities

 Academia and research institutions

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

The project implementation plan for solid waste management in the Philippines includes several

phases, with the first priority project expected to be implemented from 2018 to 2022. The

project's implementation plan includes various activities, such as:

 Preparation for project implementation, including feasibility studies and environmental

impact assessments

 Collection and transfer of waste

 Waste segregation, reuse, and recycling

 Training and self-improvement for LGUs and stakeholders

 Final disposal, including the establishment of a WTE plant and sanitary landfill operation

 Public sanitation targets, such as complete waste collection and effective waste transfer

 IEC activities to educate the public on proper waste segregation, reuse, and recycling

 Development of new landfill sites

 Establishment of the Solid Waste Management Fund

FINANCIAL PLAN:

 The financial plan for solid waste management projects in the Philippines involves a

comprehensive review and update of financial and technical analysis during the design

stage to ensure that all aspects are adequately covered.

 The project aims to expedite the development of physical, institutional, and social

infrastructure through measures like resource recovery, gasification, landfill recycling,

reuse, and reduction.

 New technologies are being considered to manage the increasing waste generation, with a

focus on waste segregation, separate collection, and various waste treatment methods like

composting, digesting technologies, and thermal treatment.

 The target is to reduce landfilling to 15% by increasing recycling levels and enforcing

waste-to-energy (WTE) technology implementation.

 The financial sustainability of the project is crucial, requiring the establishment of the

Solid Waste Management Fund to support approved solid waste management plans of

local government units.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION:

 Monitoring and evaluation are essential components of solid waste management projects

to track progress, identify challenges, and make necessary adjustments.

 Periodical monitoring should be implemented not only in financial aspects but also in

technical aspects to ensure the project's success and sustainability.

 Transparency in reporting results to the public is crucial for building trust and ensuring

the project's reliability and sustainability over the operation period.

 In Davao City, for example, the project owner is recommended to establish a team

involving various stakeholders to gather information and opinions for the project,

ensuring a holistic approach to solid waste management.

 Public consultations play a vital role in addressing concerns and gaining community

support for waste management projects, as seen in experiences from Japan where

extensive consultations were conducted to ensure safety and environmental mitigations

for waste-to-energy plants.