Master of Science in Environmental Management

The study aimed to determine public participation in Solid Waste Management in Casiguran, Aurora. The study used a descriptive research method involving multiple stakeholders like the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENRO), Barangay Officials, and selected from the residents, traders, and market vendors. The data were categorized and subjected to statistical treatments such as frequency count and weighted mean.
Among the waste management practices employed by the four hundred (400) respondents for the identified solid waste generated (including polyethylene bags, plastic bottles, Styrofoam, cardboard, metal scraps, rubber, crystal glass/bottles, kitchen refuse, meat bones, fish bones, shells, clams, and agricultural waste), discarded after use was ranked first, followed by sale, reuse, and recycling. While composting is the most frequently used method of waste disposal for non-recycled materials, it is followed by burying in the ground, collection by the LGU, burning, and finally, throwing in canal/river. Moderately participative ranked first in public participation, followed by less participative and highly participative.
For the policy implementation in solid waste management, respondents observed the gap wherein the overall weighted mean was 4.10 and needed improvement. The respondents also agreed that there are lacking strategies and programs and needed to be implemented to upgrade the solid waste management scheme in Casiguran, Aurora, wherein the overall weighted mean was 4.08.
It is recommended that the LGU and BLGU consider the significant gaps and strategies, and programs required to upgrade waste management practices. There should be regular solid waste collection schemes, run information campaigns and community-based solid waste management programs, and strictly enforce municipal ordinances in Casiguran, Aurora.