Empowering Communities for Environmental Change: Waste Segregation Solutions in Alido Heights

: One of the significant environmental challenges we face is improper waste segregation. Poor waste disposal practices hinder the progress of integrated solid waste management in households. This study aims to identify problems encountered during implementation and provide specific solutions to enhance the quality of life for residents and the Homeowners Association and establish adequate waste segregation practices that promote environmental cleanliness. The study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods with a descriptive design to evaluate the waste segregation system in Alido Heights Subdivision, Bulihan, City of Malolos, Bulacan. The researchers designed a survey questionnaire with questions constructed and developed based on the issues identified by the residents. Simultaneously, interviews were conducted with an officer of the homeowners ’ association to gather their knowledge and experiences. The results indicate that the respondents effectively manage household waste and segregation. Furthermore, the efficiency of the waste segregation system implemented by the subdivision reveals inadequacies in designated waste disposal equipment and the location of the dumping site, resulting in inefficient waste segregation within the subdivision. The improvement programs recommended by the subdivision ’ s residents include providing more garbage bins, allocating additional waste disposal sites, and implementing a campaign program to establish a more efficient segregation system among the residents in the area


Introduction
Urbanization, the process of urban growth and development, plays a pivotal role in the modern transformation of developing nations [1]- [3].While urbanization offers substantial economic opportunities, it also poses significant challenges linked to escalating waste production.This urbanization phenomenon gives rise to various waste types, encompassing household, commercial, and industrial waste.The substantial influx of people migrating to urban areas contributes to the surge in waste generation.
Urban areas emerge as focal points for waste production due to elevated consumption levels and the density of economic and social activities.Household waste typically comprises organic materials, plastics, and various forms of domestic waste [4], [5].Commercial waste, generated by businesses and markets, frequently contains packaging materials and food remnants.In rapidly industrializing countries like the Philippines, industrial waste may encompass hazardous materials that necessitate specialized handling, such as toxic and dangerous waste [6], [7].
One of the most formidable challenges developing countries face is the delayed development of essential infrastructure, particularly waste management.Inadequate waste sorting, recycling, and safe disposal facilities exacerbate this issue [8].Consequently, unregulated waste disposal and incineration have become standard practices, resulting in environmental pollution.The environmental consequences of subpar waste management are severe, encompassing air, water, and soil pollution.Hazardous particles and other pollutants can give rise to severe health issues among urban populations, including respiratory problems, allergies, and skin diseases stemming from environmental contamination due to improper waste handling [9], [10].
The formulation and execution of effective waste management policies in developing countries pose a highly intricate challenge.One of the foremost impediments is the limitation of resources, especially financial resources.Additionally, a dearth of technical expertise in waste management and, at times, insufficient political commitment stand as substantial obstacles to progress in this field [11], [12].
Proper Solid Waste Management (SWM) implementation is not just a matter of convenience; it is vital for maintaining communities' health, safety, and environmental quality.Many residential developments, like the Alido Heights Subdivision, have recognized the importance of SWM and have adopted methods that align with the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling.These practices are crucial for creating sustainable and environmentally responsible communities [13] The specific focus of the study in Alido Heights Subdivision is to identify and assess the challenges and sustainable practices related to proper waste segregation experienced by the Homeowners Association.This local perspective is essential because effective waste management often requires tailoring solutions to a particular community's unique circumstances and needs.
The Philippine government has recognized the need to address solid waste management issues nationally.Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and population growth have increased waste generation, especially in metropolitan areas [14].In response to this challenge, the government has taken several initiatives, including reforming policies, evaluating governance structures, and raising public awareness.
One of the significant milestones in Philippine waste management is the enactment of the Republic Act (RA) 9003, known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.This legislation directly responded to severe flooding in the Philippines, often triggered by improper trash segregation and disposal practices.It became law on January 26, 2001, intending to prevent land from submerging in water and litter during the rainy season.RA 9003 encompasses various aspects of solid waste management, including waste collection, storage, transportation, processing, and disposal [15].It underscores the importance of responsible waste management practices and emphasizes the benefits of recycling, not only for environmental preservation but also as a means to alleviate poverty in the Philippines.
These dedicated researchers are fully committed to thoroughly examining all obstacles and challenges that emerge while implementing the waste management system.What makes their endeavor even more intriguing is their overarching objective, which extends beyond identifying issues.They aspire to proactively present tangible solutions that hold the potential to significantly enhance the quality of life for both the residents and the Homeowners Association.
Their profound grasp of the significance of waste segregation at the household level serves as the linchpin in comprehending how to curtail the overall production of waste.Through the proper implementation of segregation, not only does it become more feasible to reduce the volume of waste, but it also facilitates the identification of reusable items and the efficient separation of recyclable materials.Moreover, they firmly assert that there exists a substantial moral obligation when it comes to the responsible management of solid waste [16], [17].
Throughout the research process, the researchers will continuously monitor and evaluate potential improvements to strategies and new methods that can enhance the effectiveness of waste segregation in the environment.They will conduct an in-depth examination to evaluate the Waste Segregation System in Alido Heights Subdivision, Bulihan, City of Malolos, Bulacan.Their efforts aim to offer a profound understanding and highly detailed recommendations for improving the Waste Segregation System and implementing an effective Solid Waste Management program in the designated area.

Research Approach
The researchers utilized a quantitative and qualitative method with a descriptive design to assess the waste segregation system in Alido Heights Subdivision Bulihan, City of Malolos, Bulacan.Before conducting a study, the selected research strategy aims to assist the researchers in identifying the problem.With this approach, the researchers analyzed the existing problems regarding the waste segregation system in Alido Heights Subdivision.

Instruments
The researchers designed a survey questionnaire in which questions were constructed and developed based on the identified problems.The survey questionnaire comprises checklist questions with a ten-point Likert scale that allows the participants to evaluate their self-awareness and the segregation system in the subdivision.A descriptive survey was issued and disseminated through door-to-door distribution to the homeowners.Moreover, the participants must answer a survey regarding their solid waste management experiences; therefore, data privacy must be considered.To ensure that the respondents' data are secure and following Republic Act No. 10173 (Data Privacy Act of 2012), the researchers guaranteed that all participants gave their consent voluntarily and were presented with a signed informed consent letter that outlined the purpose of the research objectives, procedures, and request for personal information.Furthermore, the researchers interviewed an officer of the homeowners' association, where their knowledge and experiences will be used in the study.

Sampling
This study focuses on the total number of houses in Alido Heights Subdivision, which has a total of 750 houses in Alido Heights Subdivision.The number of respondents was chosen using systematic random sampling and was applied to keep the total of respondents at 100, with a confidence level of 90% and a 5% margin of error.The researchers ensured that there were enough participants and that respondents included household members from different phases.In order to guarantee the validity of the result and to generalize the whole subdivision from the selected number of participants, the researchers kept the sample size at 100.

Procedures
The researchers have formally written a letter to address the Alido Heights Subdivision Homeowners Association officers to contact the respondents.Moreover, the researchers coordinated with an officer from the association to choose the most suitable date for surveying the residents.After surveying the residents, the researchers requested an interview regarding the active programs on Solid Waste Management with a representative from the subdivision officials.

Assessing the Solid Waste in the Household
This portion assesses the participant's knowledge regarding household awareness of solid waste was evaluated using a ten-point Likert scale, one (1) being the lowest, which has a descriptive equivalence of not aware, and ten (10) being the highest, which has a descriptive equivalence of fully aware, followed by a checklist type of survey questionnaire.The scale enables the researchers to evaluate the residents' level of awareness.

Assessing the Systematic Methods of Household Waste Segregation
This portion evaluates the systematic household waste segregation methods with a ten-point Likert scale, one (1) with a descriptive equivalence of lowest/never, and ten (10) with a descriptive equivalence of highest/very frequent.The assessment was followed by four checklist questions to evaluate the usual practices of selling, giving away, and segregation methods at home.The scale enables the researchers to evaluate the residents' frequentness of producing solid wastes.

Assessing the Effectiveness of Waste Collection
This portion assesses the effectiveness of household waste collection strategies such as garbage trucks.The researcher aims to determine the efficiency level of the collection service implemented with a ten-point Likert scale, one (1) being the lowest/poor and ten (10) being the highest/excellent.The scale enables the researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of waste collection for the residents.

Determining perceived programs on Solid Waste Management implemented by the homeowners' association
The interview aims to determine the Solid Waste Management programs or activities implemented by the homeowners, which includes three interview items for the Homeowner Association that must be answered if their ordinance is created by public government officials or by the associations themselves in coordination to serve as a homeowners' association and to understand how it can benefit every household in the area.In addition, the researchers aim to determine whether the programs and activities will remain enforced indefinitely.

Data Analysis
The researchers gathered and assessed the respondents' answers, which will provide information about the respondent's evaluation of the waste segregation system in the subdivision.Upon completing the 10-point Likert scale survey, the researchers will measure and identify the waste segregation system, which will be calculated through the mean and sum of each question.The mean level of waste segregation will be analyzed and interpreted based on the awareness, frequency, and efficiency indicated by the respondents through the survey questionnaire with a descriptive equivalence.The results were analyzed based on solid waste identification, application of systematic household waste segregation methods, and effectiveness of waste collection.The researchers conducted interviews for problem validation and in coordination with the locale of the study from a representative of the homeowners' association based on their personal experiences and suggestions.

Assessment of Waste Segregation System
Table 1 displays a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 10, where the average level of awareness among the respondents regarding solid waste management stands at 7.06, based on the provided data.This indicates that respondents possess a relatively high knowledge and understanding of solid waste management techniques.A score of 7.06 signifies that the respondents have a well-rounded understanding of various aspects of solid waste management.They grasp the importance of sustainable waste management practices and are aware of the potential negative consequences of improper garbage disposal on the environment and human health.Figure 1 shows that all 100 respondents recognized plastics as solid waste in their households.This underscores the widespread presence of plastic waste.Alongside plastics, 95% of respondents identified paper, while 92% identified organic materials as standard waste products.These findings indicate that waste materials are commonplace in households and are regularly generated through everyday activities like cooking, reading, and cleaning.Less frequently identified types of household solid waste include metals, wood, and batteries, with 54% of respondents mentioning metals, 69% mentioning wood, and 77% mentioning batteries.
The data from Table 2 reflects the current state of solid waste production among respondents and opens a window into understanding how their consumption behaviors, lifestyle choices, and waste reduction efforts shape this outcome.Although the average frequency of waste production is a moderate 6.26 out of 10, it does not diminish the ongoing necessity for efficient waste management and disposal strategies.This moderate rate indicates room for improvement in reducing waste generation.It underscores the importance of adopting more sustainable consumption patterns and enhancing awareness of the environmental impact of waste.This situation allows policymakers and environmental advocates to promote more robust waste management policies and encourage a collective shift towards more environmentally responsible habits.By addressing these areas, there is potential to lower the average waste production and foster a more eco-friendly and sustainable society.Figure 2 offers a revealing look into respondents' waste management habits before formal solid waste management systems are introduced.A significant 89% of them already practiced waste segregation, indicating a high level of environmental awareness and proactive behavior in managing waste.This high percentage suggests that most respondents were already conscious of the benefits of separating different types of waste, such as recyclables, organics, and non-recyclables, which is a critical step in effective waste management.
However, the remaining 11% who did not practice waste segregation before implementing formal systems Focusing on this group could lead to more comprehensive and effective waste management practices communitywide.
Table 3. Waste Segregation Practices Level.

Question Mean Verbal Interpretation
How frequently do you practice waste segregation methods presently?

Often
The fact that such a large proportion of individuals were engaged in waste segregation on their initiative reflects a commendable level of responsibility and understanding of environmental sustainability.It also implies that the transition to formal solid waste management systems might have been smoother for these respondents, as they were already accustomed to a critical component of waste management.
Table 3 provides insights into the respondents' waste segregation practices.The data reveals an average frequency rating of 7.38 on a scale from 1 to 10, indicating that, on average, respondents frequently engage in household waste separation.This mean score of 7.38 suggests that respondents actively participate in waste segregation, intentionally different types of waste effectively.
Respondents consistently classify waste into distinct categories in their pursuit of proper waste management, including recyclables, organic waste, hazardous materials, and non-recyclable waste.This indicates their commitment to responsible waste handling and sustainable practices.Figure 3 actively portrays how households typically store various types of waste.It that respondents store paper waste, including newspapers, magazines, and cardboard, signifying its prevalence as significant of household waste.Furthermore, an even higher percentage, acknowledge storing plastic waste, underlining its ubiquity in homes.In contrast, jars are stored as waste by a smaller segment, with 31% of respondents indicating this.Organic materials are also a noted category, stored by 23% of respondents, reflecting their presence in household waste.Additionally, 26% of respondents identify miscellaneous waste in their homes, and a minimal 5% categorize some of their waste as' others.'This data vividly illustrates the diversity of waste materials found in households and underscores the need for tailored waste management strategies for each type  4 clearly shows respondents actively embracing recycling and reusing, as evidenced by their average score of 7.1.This high score signifies that the majority are aware and regularly involved in recycling and repurposing household waste.Such consistent engagement in these activities demonstrates their substantial contribution to waste reduction.It also reflects a solid commitment to sustainable practices, highlighting their positive approach towards environmental responsibility.

Figure 4. Ways of Disposing of Organic Waste
Figure 4 provides a detailed breakdown of how respondents handle their organic waste.A significant majority, 54.31%, are actively converting organic waste into fertilizer, showcasing a commendable understanding of its value as a reusable resource.This practice not only recycles waste but also contributes to soil health, demonstrating a sustainable approach to waste management.However, the figure also sheds light on some concerning disposal methods.A notable 15.52% of respondents dispose of their organic waste in open dumpsites, which can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards.Additionally, 1.72% of respondents resort to burning their waste, a method known to release harmful emissions, and 6.03% bury it, which can lead to soil contamination.Furthermore, 22.41% of homeowners in the subdivision reported using various methods for disposing of organic waste, indicating a diversity of practices that may or may not be environmentally sound.These findings highlight the need for enhanced awareness and education about proper organic waste management.There is a clear opportunity to promote more sustainable practices, such as composting, among the broader population.Doing so makes it possible to minimize the adverse environmental impacts of improper waste disposal and foster an ecofriendlier community approach to managing organic waste.

Figure Reusable Usually Sold.
Figure 5 provides a clear insight into the recycling habits of the respondents, mainly focusing on reusable materials.The data indicates a strong preference for reusing certain materials, with bottles leading at a remarkable 94%.This high rate reflects a widespread recognition of the reusability of bottles, possibly due to their durability and the ease of finding recycling facilities.
follows at 68%, metals at 57%, and steel and tin containers at 55%.These numbers suggest a moderate to high level of awareness regarding the recyclability of these materials.

Figure 6. Reusable Materials.
Figure 6 reveals that giving away reusable materials is vital to promoting sustainability and minimizing waste.88 percent of gave away clothes, while percent did the same with The practice was less common for furniture and toys, given away by 26 and 25 percent of respondents.were least frequently given away, at 10%.Additionally, 19% of homeowners reported giving away other reusable materials.These statistics highlight the varying degrees of reuse among different items and emphasize the role of reusing and giving away items in waste reduction.This summary of Figure 6 is well-crafted and concise.It highlights the importance of reusing and donating materials to promote sustainability and reduce waste.The data clearly shows a preference for giving away certain items like clothes and bottles, while other items like furniture, toys, and gadgets are less frequently reused or donated.This differentiation in reuse habits provides valuable insights into consumer behavior regarding sustainability.The 19% of homeowners who gave away other materials also contributed to the overall picture of waste reduction through reuse.The summary does a great job of emphasizing the significant role that reusing and donating plays in sustainable waste management practices.Figure 7 highlights residents' varied waste segregation methods, with 45.13% employing diverse techniques, reflecting a lack of standardization in waste management practices.The most common method, used by 23.59%, is separating kitchen waste, indicating fundamental engagement with managing primarily organic waste.Notably, 13.13% use two containers for biodegradable waste, and 12.82% employ color-coded containers for hazardous waste, demonstrating more advanced segregation approaches.However, 5.13% still bury waste in open areas, a practice that's not environmentally sustainable and poses risks like soil contamination.
These findings highlight the importance of standardizing waste segregation methods to ensure efficient and environmentally friendly waste management  Figure 8 demonstrates that only 9% of respondents confirm access to a designated waste disposal site.This highlights that a significant majority, 91%, lack a specific location for trash disposal, suggesting widespread inadequacies in waste management infrastructure.The absence of a dedicated site complicates proper waste management disposal procedures, potentially leading to inefficient and environmentally harmful practices.This data emphasizes the urgent need for improved waste management facilities and strategies to effective and sustainable waste disposal for most respondents.Figure 9 clearly shows that a vast majority, 95%, of respondents actively agree on the inadequacy of available trash cans.This overwhelming consensus indicates that the current number of trash is insufficient to meet their waste disposal needs.Such a high level of agreement underscores a critical issue in waste management infrastructure, where the lack of sufficient trash cans likely hinders effective waste disposal and may contribute to environmental problems.This finding strongly suggests the need for an increase in the allocation of trash cans to address the waste disposal requirements of the community adequately.
Utilization of Public Garbage Bins.
Figure 10 shows that only 8% of the respondents utilize public for waste disposal.This finding strikingly highlights that a large majority, 92%, do not these public facilities for disposing of their The low usage of public trash cans could actively point to issues such as limited accessibility, lack of convenience, or a general lack of trust in the effectiveness of these bins.This underutilization suggests a potential gap in public waste management infrastructure and calls for a deeper investigation into the reasons behind it to improve public waste disposal services.Figure 11 demonstrates that 95% of residents in the subdivision confirm the sufficiency of garbage trucks servicing their area.This significant majority indicates a strong belief among respondents that the number of garbage trucks available for waste collection is adequate for their community's needs.This high level of satisfaction points towards adequate waste collection infrastructure in the subdivision, suggesting that the current allocation of garbage trucks meets, or even exceeds, the community's waste disposal requirements.Such a positive response

Question Mean Verbal Interpretation
How is the efficiency of the collection service implemented in your area?

Above Average
Table 5 actively presents a mean score of 6.08 out of 10, indicating that respondents view the efficiency of their region's waste collection service as slightly above average.This score actively reflects a moderate level of satisfaction with the collection service, yet it simultaneously highlights the for improvement.It suggests that while the waste collection process functions adequately in general, are specific areas where could further enhanced.This finding points an opportunity for waste management to identify and address these aiming to elevate the overall effectiveness of the collection service.

Assessment of Waste Segregation System
Table 6 actively showcases the solid waste management programs in Alido Heights.This aligns directly with the problem statement's goal of identifying the community's perception of the Solid Waste Management programs implemented by their local government.(Segregation of dry and wet garbage per household in Alido has been implemented for a long time because the garbage collector will not collect the waste if the dry and wet garbage is not separated) These results provide a critical foundation for researchers to analyze the current situation and assess the effectiveness of the government's waste management strategies in the area.This analysis is critical to understanding how well these programs meet the community's needs and where improvements can be made.
Table 7 actively reveals how the public government mandates the previously mentioned solid waste management programs to homeowners.This directly addresses the problem statement, which seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the program's implementation in the area.(Through a meeting of the officers of the homeowner's association, they will inform the residents on social media regarding the ordinance of the barangay) The table's data is crucial in understanding how residents communicate and enforce these programs.This evaluation is significant, as effective dissemination and enforcement of Solid Waste Management programs are crucial to ensuring that residents are both aware of and compliant with these initiatives, thereby contributing to their overall success.(Our enforced waste segregation in the area helps the residents to adapt and be disciplined in practicing proper waste segregation.Technically, it can be done because we also have an ordinance about proper waste segregation.Though, there are still some residents that are struggling to follow proper segregation) Table 8 actively displays the effectiveness and validity of the solid waste management program as implemented in households.This directly responds to the problem statement's aim of formulating improvements to the area's waste segregation system.The data in Table 8 is crucial for understanding the program's impact on residents, providing valuable insights into how well it works and where it might fall short.By analyzing this information, researchers can identify specific areas for enhancement in the waste segregation system, ensuring that any modifications or improvements are grounded in the actual experiences and needs of the residents.
Increasing public awareness and active participation in waste management are now vital focuses in environmental research.Community participation directly impacts the success of waste management programs.This research underlines the critical importance of public education and active engagement in waste management practices for the effectiveness of these programs [18]- [21].This is especially relevant in Alido Heights, where a high awareness level does not necessarily translate into adequate infrastructure and program implementation.
In the realm of waste management infrastructure, point out that the accessibility of facilities is a crucial determinant of an area's waste management effectiveness.Their study highlights the significant differences between urban and rural areas regarding the availability and accessibility of these facilities [22]- [24].This is echoed in Alido Heights, where, despite 95% of residents considering the number of garbage trucks adequate, only 9% actively use public trash bins.
Moreover, the impact of technology and innovation on enhancing the efficiency of waste segregation systems.They find that incorporating new technologies and innovative policies dramatically improves the effectiveness of waste segregation [25], [26].This insight is particularly relevant to Alido Heights, indicating a need for improvements in the waste segregation system to enhance the overall efficiency of waste management.

Conclusion
The research study is used for the evaluation of the system of waste segregation in Alido Heights Subdivision.In summary, the study shows that the resident of the locale is knowledgeable about the waste segregation system in their household.The result shows that the respondents efficiently manage household waste and segregation.Moreover, the systematic efficiency of the waste segregation implemented by the subdivision shows that there is inadequate designated waste disposal equipment and the location of the dumping site, which results in inefficient waste segregation in the subdivision.The enhancement programs recommended by the subdivision residents are to provide more garbage bins, allocate additional waste disposal sites, and create a campaign program for a much more efficient segregation among the area's residents.
The researchers would like to acknowledge those who participated in the making of this study.First and foremost, we would like to thank the very cooperative and willing residents of Alido Heights Subdivision and the homeowner presiding officer, Leilanie R. Ong of Alido Heights Homeowners Association Incorporated.With her authorization, we were confident in conducting a research project.We would also be immensely grateful to our dearest validators, Mrs. Mary Ann C. Magtulis and Mrs. Debbie Ann S. Tuazon.They provided insight and expertise that substantially assisted in this research, for their comments and suggestions significantly improved this manuscript.We could not have completed this paper without their advice and willingness to provide versatile feedback.Lastly, we want to convey our profound gratitude to the individuals who helped us, directly or indirectly, accomplish this research.
for improvement.This group represents a population segment that may require additional education and encouragement to adopt such practices.

Figure 3 .
Figure 3. Waste Materials Stored in the Households.

Figure 7 .
Figure 7. Application Methods of Waste Segregation.
for biodegradable Various colors of containers to separate if the waste is harmful Burying the wastes to an open area Others practices.They also point to the need for increased education and awareness campaigns to guide residents towards more sustainable waste segregation methods, such as using multiple bins for different types of waste and avoiding practices like open burial.By adopting more uniform and sustainable segregation practices, communities can significantly improve their overall waste management efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint.

Figure 8 .
Figure 8. Number of Designated Waste Disposal Site.

Table 1 .
Awareness Level of the Respondents.

Table 2 .
Solid Waste Production Level.

Table 4 .
Recycling of Waste Level.

Table 5 .
Recycling of Waste Level.

Table 6 .
Programs on Solid Waste Management Implemented.

Table 7 .
Programs on Solid Waste Management Implemented.

Table 8 .
Programs on Solid Waste Management Implemented.