Towards Sustainable Waste Management: Profiling the School Waste in Eastern Potia National High School

Abstract

 The management of solid waste at rural schools is relatively overlooked, given its potential for environmental sustainability. In this study, Eastern Potia National High School, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao, Philippines, was monitored daily for 20 days. Using the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) protocol, the study assessed the volume, composition, generation rate, and density of waste from the waste sources within the school. Analyses showed that biodegradable waste with a predominantly food waste component was on top at 71.82%, with the school canteen providing the greatest proportion. Recyclable and residual waste made up 16.73% and 11.45%, respectively, with no special waste generated. Volumes of waste particularly increased on special events such as exam day, Valentine’s Day, and parent-teacher conferences, displaying the influence of school events on waste generation. Given the study, school-based interventions such as the implementation of composting, waste segregation, and integrating environmental education within school curricula are recommended. This research supports UN SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by providing actionable information regarding context-based and activity-driven waste management in rural educational institutions.