A Comparative Analysis of Waste Management

Practices on Plant Boxes along Ayala

Boulevard


A Case Study presented in partial fulfillment of the
course requirements of G-SCI 03





Proponents:
Cayabyab, Ma. Jasephine P.
Colis, Ruby P.
Cortez, Renee Rose A.
Estrella, Mieralor C.
Juan, Ivan Hubert C.
Tepase, Noriel Liezel Ann B.


Presented to:
Prof. Rosario M. Belmi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The accumulation of waste on plant boxes along Ayala Blvd. is a persistent problem, yet largely
unaddressed. The present study collected information on relative waste volume on either side of
Ayala Blvd., through observation and interviews, and collected information on waste
management from sanitation personnel. It was found lant boxes along the TUP side of Ayala
Blvd. had, more often than not, less waste accumuation throughout the day than the PNU side.
In addition, it was also revealed that the waste management of Ayala Blvd. was handled by
different agencies, coming from City and National governmets. The study also proposes several
measures to address the problem mentioned.

INTRODUCTION
Environmental pollution has been the main problem since early times and it grows
together with the excessive growth in developing countries. The most visible of the types of
pollution is probably waste pollution which is generated in large amounts every day. Municipal
solid waste (MSW) is an inevitable byproduct of human activity. Population growth and
economic development lead to enormous amounts of solid waste generation by the dwellers of
the urban areas (Karishnamurti and Naidu, 2003). Urban MSW is usually generated from human
settlements, small industries and commercial activities (Singh et al., 2011). In majority of
countries most of the smaller units do not have any specific technique of managing these
wastes. These wastes pose a threat for health and also they may have long term effect on
environment (Pattnaik and Reddy, 2009).
The plant boxes along Ayala Boulevard serve a decorative purpose they provide
shade for passersby and beautify the otherwise boring stretch of road. This purpose however is
defeated when one looks up close. These plant boxes have been turned into centers of pollution
by the same people they were meant for.
The plant boxes today are now more like waste bins, accumulating large amounts of
waste. Although street sweepers regularly clean the sidewalks, the planters are for the most
part unmaintained.
The problem, while serious has been largely ignored. This prompted us to conduct the
present study to identify key contributors to waste accumulation and compare waste
management practices on the planters along both sides of Ayala Blvd.
Objectives
The study was conducted with the following goals in mind:
1. Compare the relative volume of waste accumulation in plant boxes along either side of
Ayala Blvd.
2. Identify key contributors to the waste accumulation in plant boxes along Ayala Blvd.
3. Collect information on waste management practices along Ayala.
4. Propose possible solutions to improve waste management along Ayala.
Scope and Limitations
1. The study was conducted in a short stretch of Ayala Blvd., from Ayala cor. Taft Avenue,
to Ayala cor. San Marcelino St.
2. Observations and interviews were conducted over the course of three days (Sept. 22,
23, and 24) at three different times of the day (6:30, 11:30, and 2:30).
3. The study includes interviews from relevant persons such as passersby, security guards
of both TUP and PNU, street vendors, and sweepers.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted according to the following schematic diagram.

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Methodology
Initial Observation
Two sites of plant boxes along Ayala Boulevard were identified for the study. The first
study area was the plant boxes along Philippine Normal University, while the second was along
the Technological University of the Philippines. The plant boxes today are now more like waste
bins, accumulating large amounts of waste. Although street sweepers regularly clean the
sidewalks, the planters are for the most part unmaintained. This prompted the researches to
conduct a study to identify the key contributors to waste accumulation and compare the waste
management practices on the plant boxes along both sides of Ayala Blvd.
Data Collection
At three times (6:30, 11:30 and 2:30) over three consecutive days (September 22-24),
the observation were conducted. The researchers conducted ocular observation and
documentation of the two sites. They also conducted an interview from the passersby, security
guards, street vendors and street sweepers on both sites.

Observation and Documentation
An ocular investigation was done in the location for three consecutive days (September
22, 23 and 24) at three times of the day (6:30am, 11:30am and 2:30pm).
During the first day at 6:30am, the number of people, primarily students, passing the two
sidewalks were of the same number. The relative waste on the plant boxes are greater in the
PNU side compared to the UP side. The number of street sweepers cleaning in the PNU side is
lesser (2) compared to the TUP street sweepers (3). In terms of duration of cleaning, TUP street
sweepers are faster than the other.
On the second day at the same time, the same observation on the accumulation of
waste in the plant boxes was recorded. The number of street sweepers cleaning in both sides is
in the same number but the TUP street sweepers were relatively faster than the PNU side.
On the last day, the number of people passing the PNU side is smaller since it is a
Wednesday and there were no classes in PNU. However, the accumulated waste on the
planters is still greater in the PNU side. There were observed dead animals on the planters of
the PNU sidewalk. There were three cleaners in the TUP side while only one on the PNU side.
DAY/TIME PNU TUP
Day 1
6:30-6:45

2 cleaners
Mabagal maglinis
Mas madaming kalat
Halos pareho lang ng dami ng
taong dumadaan
3 cleaners
Mabilis maglinis
Mas kaunti ang kalat
Halos pareho lang ng dami ng
taong dumadaan
11:30-11:45 Maraming kalat at basura. Puro
plastic at mga balat ng
pinagkainan ang makikita sa mga
planters.
May patay na aso sa pangalawa
sa huling planters.
Mas maraming dumadaan, puro
estudyante.
Kunti at maliliit na basura lang ang
makikita.
Amoy ihi
May trash bin (box) sa side ng TUP
building
2:30-2:45 Hindi masyadong madumi.
Amoy ihi
Yung mga planters walang
masyadong kalat (konting candy
wrappers lang etc.)
Hindi masyadong madumi.
Amoy ihi
Yung mga planters walang
masyadong kalat (konting candy
wrappers lang etc.)
Day 2
6:30-6:45

2 cleaners
Mabagal maglinis
Mas madaming kalat
Halos pareho lang ng dami ng
taong dumadaan
2 cleaners
Mabilis maglinis (may TUP janitor
na naglilinis ng harap ng university)
Mas kaunti ang kalat
Halos pareho lang ng dami ng
taong dumadaan
11:30-11:45 May garbage bag sa bandang
dulo pero kalat kalat pa rin ang
mga basura.
Kung ano ang mga basurang
nakita noong umaga, yun at yun
parin. Nadagdagan pa nga.
Konti lang ang dumadaang tao.
May mga garbage bag ang bawat
vendor at may dalawang trash bins
(boxes).
Maraming dumadadaan na tao.
Pinakamarami ang mga
estudyante.
Malinis linis ang bawat planter.
2:30-2:45 Yung tapunan ng basura nasa
mismong planters.
May patay na aso dun sa may
dulong planters
Hindi masyadong madumi.
Amoy ihi
Yung mga planters walang
masyadong kalat (konting candy
wrappers lang etc.)
Day 3
6:30-6:45 1 cleaner
Mabagal maglinis kakaumpisa
pa lang pero matatapos na yung
cleaners sa TUP side
Mas madaming kalat may mga
patay na hayop(aso at pusa) at
dumi (ng tao) sa mga planters
Wala halos dumadaan (walang
pasok ang PNU)
3 cleaners
Mabilis ang paglilinis
Mas kaunti ang kalat
Mas maraming dumadaan kumpara
sa PNU side
11:30-11:45 Amoy ihi
Maraming dumadaang tao puro
estudyante.
Nagkalat sa baba ang mga
basura dahil sa puno na ng kalat
ang ibang planters.
Marami-rami ang taong dumadaang
tao halos puro estudyante rin.
May mga konting kalat lang sa mga
piling planters.
May mga trash bins (boxes) at may
mga garbage bag ang bawat
vendor.
2:30-2:45 1 cleaner
Yung tapunan ng basura nasa
mismong planters.
May patay na aso dun sa may
dulong planters
Hindi masyadong madumi.
Amoy ihi
Yung mga planters walang
masyadong kalat (konting candy
wrappers lang etc.)


Interview
The interview was conducted for three consecutive days (September 22, 23 and 24)
every 6:30-6:45 in the morning. The subject interviewees are street sweepers assigned at Ayala
Ave which includes the Technological University (TUP) and Philippine Normal University (PNU)
sidewalks.
The following questions are used in the interview:
1. Regular po ba kayong naglilinis ng sidewalk lalo na po yung mga planters?
2. Napapanatili po ba ang kalinisan dito?
3. Sa inyo pong palagay, sino po ang karaniwang nagpapakalat ng lugar?
4. Kanino pong panukala ang paglilinis ng mga sidewalk at planters, sa barangay o city
hall?
According to the interviewees, they are regularly cleaning the area excluding Sunday
which serves as their rest day. Interviewees from both sides of the road said that cleanliness
along the sidewalks including the plant boxes is not maintained within the day. The TUP street
sweepers pointed out that the primary contributor of waste in the area the trees because of their
falling leaves while the PNU street sweepers pointed out the scavengers as the primary
contributor in the accumulation of waste. The street sweepers of both sides agreed that
students also take a big part in the waste accumulation with the reason that students are
frequently passing the area. The interviewees cleared that they are working under the Manila
city government.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
Relative Waste Volume
Time Observation
Day 1 The plant boxes on the TUP side was substantially cleaner than those on the
PNU side. The TUP plant boxes were kept free from waste while the PNU
plant boxes accumulated a larger volume of waste.
Day 2 The waste volume in PNU plant boxes, while constant, was still greater than
those of TUP plant boxes, which were relatively free from waste. The waste
volume did not increase noticeably.
Day 3 A similar observation was noted on the last day of observation, although the
waste volume on the PNU side was significantly less than the earlier two
days.

Interview
With Passers-by
Questions Response
PNU TUP
A B C A B C
Palagi ka bang
dumadaan dito?
Anong
napapansin mo
pag dumadaan ka
dito?


Ano ang
maimumungkahi
mong solusyon
para mabawasan
ang kalat sa
planters?





Sa tingin mo sino
ang kadalasang
nagkakalat?
Oo. Palagi.
Marumi
super.




Dapat
maglagay
ng
basurahan.
Tapos
dapat may
magbabant
ay.



Yung mga
dumadaan
na tao.
Estudyante
at mga
Hmm.
Opo. Ayun
ang daming
basura.



Maglagay
sana ng
trash bins
at dapat
may
naglilnis
palagi.




Mga pulubi
kasi sila
naman ang
tumitira
dyan eh.
Oo naman.
Naku ang
kalat.




Basurahan
kasi pag
walang
makitang
basurahan
sa may
planters sila
nagtatapon.


Mga
estudyante
at mga
pulubi.
Opo.
Medyo
okay
naman.




Signage at
mga trash
bins.








Students.
Palagi po.
May mga
konting
kalat.



May
maglilinis
tapos dapat
may
basurahan.






Mga
dumadaang
tao usually
students.
Oo. Medyo
makalat.





Basurahan
at may
magbabant
ay.







Estudyant
et mga
dumadaan.

trabahador.
With Street Vendors
Questions: Vendor 1 Vendor 2 Vendor 3
Ano pong masasabi nyo
sa mga planters?




May mga napapansin
po ba kayong naglilinis
dito?

Sino sa tingin nyo ang
kadalasang nagkakalat
dito?
Minsan madumit
makalat.




Meron. Nandito yung
mga streetsweepers
kapag umaga.

Mga estudyante.
Okay naman. Malinis-
linis.




Napapansin lang
naming silang maglinis
tuwing umaga.

Students. Sila lang
naman din ang palaging
nadaan dito eh.
Hmm. Malinis naman
kahit papano.
Naglalagay kasi kami ng
sarili naming
basurahan.

Sa umaga may
naglilinis. Sa hapon
mayroon din dapat.

Yung mga dumadaang
tao. Mga trabahador at
mga estudyante rin.

With Street Sweepers
QUESTION PNU TUP
Regular po ba kayong
naglilinis ng sidewalk
lalo na po yung mga
planters?
Araw-araw kaming naglilinis pwera
na lang pag Linggo, day-off namin.
Daily talaga kami naglilinis, bale ang
Sunday lang ang day-off namin.
Napapanatili po ba
ang kalinisan dito?
Sa araw lang pero pagdating sa
gabi madumi na.
Hindi eh kasi kung malinis maghapon yan
eh di wala kaming wawalisin na ganyan.
Sa umaga malinis yan. Syempre kapag
tapos na ang trabaho namin uuwi na
kami. Yung kalahating araw pagkatapos
naming maglinis puro kalat na ulit yan lalo
na yung mga dahon.
Sa inyo pong palagay,
sino po ang
karaniwang
nagpapakalat ng
lugar?
Yung mga scavenger. Palagi silang
andyan tapos dumudumi pa sila
dyan. Saka yung ibang estudyante,
tapon sila ng tapon ng kung anu-
ano, mga balat ng candy ganyan.
Hindi naman lahat ng estudyante,
yung iba lang.
Yung una puno, ang ikalawa, sa totoo
lang mga estudyante kasi walang
disiplina. Makikita mo pagkadaan mo
malinis yan tapos pagdaan namin ulit
pagbalik namin, mga baso at kung ano-
ano pa. Ang dumadaan lang naman dito
lagi eh puro estudyante. Kapag nakita
nilang malinis, sige tapon lang ng tapon.
Kanino pong panukala
ang paglilinis ng mga
sidewalk at planters,
sa barangay o city
hall?
Under kami ng city hall. Sa city hall kami, government employee
kami.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
For the purposes of this study, the following conclusions were formulated.
1. On relative waste volume: Observations agree with interviews that the TUP side of Ayala
had less waste accumulation throughout the day than the PNU side
2. On key contributors: interviews with all relevant persons agree that passersby, students
in particular, were the largest contributors to waste accumulation. Other contributors are
scavengers and trees.
3. On waste management practices: the sidewalks are cleaned every morning, however
interviewees agree that this is insufficient.
For the purposes of the study, the following measures are recommended:
1. Better student involvement/awareness through the NSTP program. Since this is the
primary channel through which the students interact with the community through the
University, it would be an important driving force towards student awareness of the
current problem.
2. Coordination with key offices. The National government, whose agencies ae directly
involved with the maintenance of the sidewalks in major roads must be notified of this
pressing problem. Proposals to increase maintenance personnel may be done.
3. Further study, especially on soil quality. The effect of solid waste on soil quality in
smaller areas of land has not yet been extensively documented. A further study on the
sol quality of the planters along Ayala Blvd. is recommeded.

APPENDIX
Photographs from Observation

Photographs taken from PNU side plant boxes
(Sept 22, 23, 24)


Photographs taken from TUP side plant boxes
(Sept 22, 23, 24)

Meeting with Prof. Cristeta Dumadong, Community Partnership and Extension Office



Leaving a Legacy, according to Prof. Dumadong