Sad state at Lourdes dumpsite As of July 2013, there was a lack of solid waste management planning at Lourdes dumpsite. Piles of garbage were spread out on the ground, and no regular treatment records were found. With a population of over 23’000 and 10 Barangays, Lourdes dumpsite collected daily 12 tons of solid waste.
Planning Stage An immediate plan was made to turn the dumpsite into agricultural land, and serious steps were taken to improve the sad situation rapidly. Following are some of the actions taken:
Intensive Planning for Solid Waste Management via Segregation of Waste & Treatment with Bio-Microorganism Solution
LGU (Local Government Unit) - Meetings are being held for deployment of segregation process at the dumpsite.
Panglao LGU creates team to run the Solid Waste Management at Lourdes Dumpsite, Panglao
Meetings are held with Stake holders, introducing the state of the dumpsite and the possible solution through creating awareness
Employment of Waste Pickers: LGUs makes plan to segregate on site, separating biodegradables, plastics, glass etc. from salable materials.
Practical Steps to implement the Segregation Plan
Waste Pickers are being taught extensively the process of waste management, from segregation, recycling, shredding to composting
Segregating table is provided to speed up the segregation. Health issues are addressed to the waste pickers.
Color coded bins are introduced to hotels, resorts, restaurants, sari sari stores etc.
Lectures are being held and students are helping with the clean-up of the dumpsite, with local government leaders joining in.
Turning Dumpsite into Agricultural Land
Composting compartments are being built
Teaching “basureros” (dumpsite employees) practical applications, such as planting seeds with the ‘soilless medium technique’
Solid Waste Management team builds a greenhouse and plants vegetables on the dumpsite – turning it into an organic garden!
Shredder introduced: After proper segregation, the waste is being shredded and made ready for recycling
Recycling of Biodegradable Waste: Introducing Bokashi Fermentation Process to produce nutritious 1st quality soil
International volunteers come and help in the transformation process
Secrets of Success
Introduce Solid waste management awareness to all department heads
Waste is generated continuously and segregation at source is the most economical way
Identifying stakeholder partners and presenting the need of the Integrated solid waste management
Creating awareness campaigns for saving the Eco system
Training personnel
Set up management logistic strategy from hauling, segregation, shredding, recycling, composting, and setting up greenhouse
Common set of definitions, procedures and handling of equipment is needed.
Introduction of color-coded waste bins
MRF (Material Recovery Facility) set up is needed to have effective solid waste management flow and prime guideline set up according to RA 9003 (Republic Act 9003)
Moving forward of Integrated Management Plan applying the principle of Reduce, Reuse Recycle.
Cooperation between all department heads and individuals to attain the goal of integrated solid waste management
Awards
2014 Panglao municipality received an award of good governance and housekeeping because of the innovative solid waste management strategy.
Documents At the end of the gallery you see pictures of certificates of recognition, attendance and recommendation received.