Bayawan City: A Model of Waste Management

Introduction

• Bayawan City takes pride in its clean surroundings.
• Waste disposal involves separating biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
• Garbage is collected daily by garbage collectors.

Global and Local Garbage Challenges

• Garbage crisis as a global issue, urgent in the Philippines.
• Philippines contributes 3.3 kg of plastic pollution per person per year.
• Daily waste generation in the country: 61,000 metric tons, filling 37 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• Recent floods due to poor drainage and waste management.

Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003)

• Passed in 2000; LGUs required to have waste management plans.
• Key focus: Segregation at the source, which requires behavioral change.

Bayawan City's Waste Management System

• Established an ecology center in 2004, leading to a culture of cleanliness and discipline.
• Successful waste management for over two decades, aiming for zero waste status.
• Bayawan City recognized as potentially the cleanest city in the Philippines.

Role of SWM Enforcers

• SWM enforcers ensure proper waste collection and segregation.
• Penalties for mixing biodegradable with non-biodegradable waste.
• Waste collection schedule: non-biodegradable (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays), vegetable waste (afternoons).

Community Engagement

• Initial challenges in behavioral change; gradual implementation of rules.
• Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns conducted.
• Public acceptance of waste segregation practices.

Waste Management Infrastructure

Landfill Development

• 2006 campaign for a new landfill, not just a dumping ground but a waste management area.
• Landfill operational since 2010, intended for 30 years.
• Bayawan City supports neighboring LGUs through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Waste Collection and Processing

• Daily handling of 8-10 tons of biodegradable waste and 13-15 tons of non-biodegradable waste.
• Central Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for non-biodegradable waste to segregate recyclables and residuals.
• Junkshops collect recyclables, generating income for the city.

Vermicomposting Facility

• Processes bioscreen material into vermicompost using African nightcrawlers.
• Harvested compost used as organic fertilizer.
• Income from compost sales contributes to the city’s budget.

Wastewater Treatment

• Household septic tank waste treated through a multi-step process.
• Use of natural methods (sunlight, aeration) for wastewater purification.
• Engineered wetlands filter wastewater before environmental discharge.

Community Involvement and Success Stories

• Bayawan serves as a model for other LGUs seeking to improve waste management.
• Local leaders actively share knowledge and practices with others.
• The Bayawanihan spirit: community collaboration for a cleaner environment.

Conclusion

• Pride in Bayawan City’s cleanliness and discipline.
• Positive changes in infrastructure and community support.
• Commitment to achieving zero waste and promoting environmental sustainability.