The Proper Waste Management At The

Senior High School Department

Chapter 1
Introduction

Background of the study

The environment is the foundation of all life on Earth, providing us with the air we breathe, the
water we drink, and the food we eat. However, human activities such as deforestation, pollution,
and industrialization have severely impacted the natural world. These actions have led to climate
change, habitat destruction, and a decline in biodiversity. If we do not take action to protect the
environment, future generations will face severe consequences.

One of the problems facing our economy is that it is dealing with severe pollution caused by
neglecting litter and other things that can damage it. Nathanson, J.A. (2020). In addition to that,
the neglect of the messes can worsen especially and it is inhabited by many bacteria and dirty
insects that can cause the citizens to have diseases, viruses and the worst of it is death. So it's a
big problem for our environment that we don't care about the clutter that can destroy it. It will
also have a big impact on those who earn a living, especially food vendors because they cannot
avoid being exposed to bacteria caused by pollution from garbage.

I also see in our area that one of our problems is litter and garbage because every morning I see
garbage scattered around our corner while the dog is scratching it. apart from that, it also disturbs
those who pass by and live near it. the same in our school, I often see garbage on the side and
garbage scattered.

So we came up with a way to solve this problem. This is Proper Waste Management where we
inform people of the importance of being clean and having discipline when it comes to litter and
garbage so that we can prevent the spread of pollution that can cause illness to us and the
citizens. It also states the proper segregation of waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable
waste so that it can be recycled and used for other purposes.

Proper waste management should be implemented in our area or school so that people know the
importance of being disciplined when it comes to our litter and garbage. It can also help us keep
our environment clean and tidy. The importance of implementing proper waste management will
help the students to have a better working environment and it can also benefit teachers, parents,
and visitors in school. Promoting students' more eco-friendly environment and reducing waste
disposal costs also helps the school's reputation to have a positive impression on parents visitors
and the community.

Statement of The Problem

This study saw the things that the students are facing regarding Waste Disposal. and we can also
see here what they are doing regarding said Waste Disposal.

1. How Does Senior High School Student Segregate Trash?

2. What Are The Challenges By Senior High School Students In Waste Management
Disposal?
3. What Are The Coping Strategies Of The Students To Address This Challenges?

Problem Statement

Trash, or solid waste, has become a major environmental issue worldwide due to increasing
population and consumption. One major problem is the overwhelming amount of non
biodegradable waste, such as plastics, that accumulates in landfills and oceans. These materials
can take years to decompose and often release harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
Additionally, improper waste disposal leads to pollution, harming wildlife and contaminating
ecosystems. In many places, trash clogs waterways contributes to flooding, and creates
unsanitary conditions that spread disease.

Trash is a problem because it causes serious harm to the environment. When waste is not
managed correctly, it ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, where it pollutes the land and water.
Plastics, in particular, break down into microplastics that are ingested by animals and even
humans, entering the food chain. This pollution affects biodiversity, kills marine life, and
damages ecosystems. The toxic chemicals released by decaying waste can also seep into the
ground, contaminating soil and groundwater.

Additionally, trash poses a threat to public health and safety. Piles of garbage can attract pests
like rats and insects, which spread diseases. In areas without proper waste disposal, people may
burn trash, releasing dangerous gases into the air that can cause respiratory problems. The
buildup of waste also contributes to climate change, as decomposing organic matter in landfills
produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Overall, trash is not just an eyesore it's a
complex issue that affects our planet, our health, and our future.
Proper waste management plays a crucial role in protecting the environment from harm. When
waste is correctly sorted, recycled, and disposed of, it prevents pollution of soil, water, and air.
Recycling materials like plastic, paper, and metal reduces the need for raw materials, which helps
conserve natural resources and reduces the destruction of forests, water sources, and wildlife
habitats. Composting organic waste also returns valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need
for chemical fertilizers and lowering greenhouse gas emissions from landfills.

In addition, proper waste management systems reduce the risk of toxic substances leaking into
the environment. By safely handling hazardous waste and avoiding illegal dumping,
communities can prevent contamination that harms both ecosystems and human health. Effective
waste collection and treatment also help control pests and diseases, improve air quality, and
make public spaces cleaner and safer. Overall, responsible waste management is essential for
building a healthier, more sustainable future for people and the planet.

Purpose Of The Study

The main goal or purpose of our study is to convey to people the importance of proper waste
disposal and its effects on our environment. The purpose of this study is to inform people about
the possible effects of correct and incorrect garbage disposal, and how it will affect us.

Research Questions

1. Do you know how to properly dispose your trash?

2. What is the importance of proper garbage disposal in the right trash can?
3. What can be the effect of throwing our garbage in the wrong place?
4. How waste destroy our environment?
5. What can we do to prevent the spread of garbage?

Significance Of The Study

The result of the study will be of great benefit to the following:

STUDENTS. The result will provide the students with the importance of properly segregating
waste. It will give a student a realization that the correct and incorrect segregation of waste has a
big impact. at the end of this discussion the students will know that the major problem is the
improper disposal of garbage in our area.

TEACHER. The given data would guide the teacher on why he needs to inform his students of
the importance of proper garbage disposal and what will be its effects. And in this way, he can
help his students.

PARENTS. Like the teachers, parents will also understand the importance of proper garbage
disposal through the given data. The given data will help them to convey to their children the
proper garbage disposal.

Definition Of Terms

Waste Management – Waste management refers to the collection, transportation, disposal, and
recycling of waste materials in a safe and efficient manner. In the context of the senior high
school department, it involves implementing systematic strategies to minimize, segregate, and
properly dispose of various types of waste such as paper, plastics, food scraps, and hazardous
materials, thereby promoting a clean and healthy school environment.

Segregation of Waste – Segregation of waste is the process of separating waste into different
categories based on its type and potential for recycling or disposal. At the senior high school
level, this typically includes classifying waste into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and
hazardous types, and using color-coded bins to facilitate proper disposal. Proper segregation is
essential for reducing landfill usage, encouraging recycling, and preventing pollution.

Sustainable Practices – Sustainable practices in waste management involve adopting long-term

strategies that reduce environmental impact and promote resource conservation. These include
initiatives such as reducing the use of single-use plastics, reusing materials, composting
biodegradable waste, and educating students about the importance of environmental
responsibility. By incorporating sustainable waste practices, the senior high school department
fosters a culture of environmental stewardship among students and staff.

Theoretical Or Conceptual Framework

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework for this study is anchored on the Environmental Management
Theory and the Behavioral Change Theory.

The Environmental Management Theory emphasizes the importance of systematic planning,

organization, and control of activities that have an impact on the environment. It promotes
sustainable practices in institutions such as schools, where the integration of waste management
strategies can contribute to a cleaner and safer learning environment. This theory supports the
idea that structured and well-implemented waste management policies can significantly reduce
environmental harm and enhance health outcomes in the school community.

The Behavioral Change Theory, particularly the Theory of Planned Behavior by (Ajzen,
1991) is also relevant. This theory suggests that individuals’ actions are guided by their attitudes,
subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. In the context of waste management in the
senior high school department, students and staff are more likely to practice proper waste
disposal and segregation when they have a positive attitude toward it, feel social pressure to
comply, and believe they have the capacity to perform these actions. Educational programs and
awareness campaigns can therefore play a crucial role in shaping sustainable behavior within the
school.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework illustrates the relationship between the factors influencing proper
waste management and the expected outcomes within the senior high school department.

Input:

• Waste management policies and programs

• Availability of waste segregation bins and facilities
• Environmental education and awareness campaigns

Process:

• Implementation of segregation at source

• Training and involvement of students and staff
• Monitoring and evaluation of waste disposal practices

Output:

• Increased knowledge and awareness of waste management

• Improved waste segregation and recycling practices
• Cleaner and healthier school environment

This framework demonstrates that proper implementation of inputs and processes will lead to
improved waste management practices among senior high school students and staff. It also
highlights the role of education, infrastructure, and active participation in achieving sustainable
waste practices.

Scope And Limitation

This study focuses on Proper Waste Management at the senior high school department at the
University of Saint Anthony Iriga City. The data collection will be conducted randomly among
senior high students in the University of Saint Anthony Iriga City S/Y 2024 - 2025.
 This study was conducted for the purpose of informing the students of the senior high school
department about waste management. Because most of the senior high school students do not
follow proper waste management and forget the possible effects of this in our area.