Solid Waste Characterization: A Basis for Solid Waste Management

The study ascertained the volume of waste generated in Liceo de Cagayan University. Specifically, it determined the (1) volume of solid waste generated in Liceo de Cagayan University in terms of classification and characteristics, (2) the significant difference of the volume between biodegradable and non- biodegradable, and (3) the implications of the volume of solid waste collected daily on waste disposal practices of Liceo de Cagayan University. Samples were collected from South Academic Cluster (SAC), North Academic Cluster (NAC), Arts and Science Building (ASB), and Canteen (CA). The wastes collected were hand-sorted and site specific for it only measured areas with the highest possible population. The total waste collected for one (1) month was 238,725 grams of which 78,000 grams was biodegradable and 160,725 grams was non-biodegradable. The non-biodegradable had the largest volume and the biggest portion was the Styrofoam which was generated by the canteen. There is a significant difference on the volume of waste generated in the NAC Bldg. and the Canteen and the volume of weight generated in terms of their classification and characterization. This suggests that the university has to intensify its campaign of recycling and reusing not only in the offices but also among the students.

 

Keywords: Solid waste, biodegradable, non-biodegradable, Liceo de Cagayan University, Philippines