Eco-Waste Management Strategies in Educational Institutions to Maintain the Hygiene and Safety

of the Learning Environment

WEVELYN DOMINGO ALMA-EN
Schools under the Department of Education (DepEd) produce a significant amount of waste. This
phenomenon is frequently observed, as educational institutions commonly cater to a large number of
students concurrently. A school's priorities should encompass two main aspects: Minimize waste
generation while actively promoting the practice of recycling.
Typically, educational institutions produce a wide array of heterogeneous waste materials.
Educational institutions often produce a wide range of waste materials, including food waste, paper waste,
and plastic waste. This activity may present significant challenges in terms of effectively and efficiently
handling all aspects in a manner that is both comfortable and cost-effective. It is a reasonable practice for
numerous educational institutions to adopt this disposal method due of its inherent convenience.
However, it is not necessarily valid—Presented below are the most effective strategies to assist students
in effectively reducing and managing waste within a school environment. By using a combination of
these suggestions, one can significantly impact the waste management practices inside their educational
institution.
Implement a composting initiative.
On a weekly basis, the canteen produces a substantial amount of food waste. I strongly advocate for
the implementation of a composting program as a viable alternative to discarding this material. Numerous
educational institutions establish gardens as a means of composting their waste, concurrently providing
students with fundamental gardening skills.
Think about making a donation of any surplus supplies or equipment that are not being utilized.
Towards the end of the academic year, it is not uncommon to encounter a substantial quantity of
residual materials and equipment that necessitate removal in a period of time. Instead of dumping these
materials, it is advisable to contemplate donating them to other educational institutions, so enabling their
prudent utilization.
Establishing a waste management committee is necessary in order to effectively address and
mitigate the challenges associated with waste management.
The responsibility for waste management in schools is occasionally assigned to particular
individuals. Establish a task force responsible for the administration of waste disposal within the
educational institution. This collective has the potential to develop initiatives aimed at reducing waste,
promoting recycling, and fostering active participation from students and families in waste reduction
practices.
It is imperative that both staff members and students receive proper education.
Collaboration is essential for achieving success. Seize this opportunity to impart knowledge to
students regarding the significance of waste management and recycling. It is advisable to foster a culture
among students that emphasizes the practice of reusing materials to the greatest extent feasible, while also
advocating for the consumption of low-waste meals.
Implementing a program for the adoption of reusable bottles.
 Considering the widespread presence of water fountains at educational institutions, i suggest the
implementation of a program aimed at promoting the practice of students bringing their own reusable
bottles from their residences. The current period presents a perfect opportunity to distribute bottles to
students, thereby reducing the quantity of single-use plastic waste generated by educational institutions.
The significance of waste segregation cannot be overstated. Through the process of waste
segregation, it is possible to effectively manage the disposal of recyclable and non-recyclable materials.
This practice contributes to the preservation of the environment by mitigating the volume of waste that is
deposited in landfills.
THE AUTHOR IS TEACHER-III AT AWALLAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, BAGGAO EAST DISTRICT,
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CAGAYAN, REGION II-CAGAYAN VALLEY