Solid Waste Management
Description and Purpose
Solid waste management procedures and practices are designed
to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants to stormwater
from solid or construction waste by providing designated waste
collection areas and containers, arranging for regular disposal,
and training employees and subcontractors.
Suitable Applications
This BMP is suitable for construction sites where the following
wastes are generated or stored:
�� Solid waste generated from trees and shrubs removed
during land clearing, demolition of existing structures
(rubble), and building construction
�� Packaging materials including wood, paper, and plastic
�� Scrap or surplus building materials including scrap metals,
rubber, plastic, glass pieces and masonry products
�� Domestic wastes including food containers such as beverage
cans, coffee cups, paper bags, plastic wrappers, and
cigarettes
�� Construction wastes including brick, mortar, timber, steel
and metal scraps, pipe and electrical cuttings, non-hazardous
equipment parts, styrofoam and other materials used to
transport and package construction materials
Solid Waste Management
�� Highway planting wastes, including vegetative material, plant containers, and packaging
materials
Limitations
Temporary stockpiling of certain construction wastes may not necessitate stringent drainage
related controls during the non-rainy season or in desert areas with low rainfall.
Implementation
The following steps will help keep a clean site and reduce stormwater pollution:
�� Select designated waste collection areas onsite.
�� Inform trash-hauling contractors that you will accept only watertight dumpsters for onsite
use. Inspect dumpsters for leaks and repair any dumpster that is not watertight.
�� Locate containers in a covered area or in a secondary containment.
�� Provide an adequate number of containers with lids or covers that can be placed over the
container to keep rain out or to prevent loss of wastes when it is windy.
�� Plan for additional containers and more frequent pickup during the demolition phase of
construction.
�� Collect site trash daily, especially during rainy and windy conditions.
�� Remove this solid waste promptly since erosion and sediment control devices tend to collect
litter.
�� Make sure that toxic liquid wastes (used oils, solvents, and paints) and chemicals (acids,
pesticides, additives, curing compounds) are not disposed of in dumpsters designated for
construction debris.
�� Do not hose out dumpsters on the construction site. Leave dumpster cleaning to the trash
hauling contractor.
�� Arrange for regular waste collection before containers overflow.
�� Clean up immediately if a container does spill.
�� Make sure that construction waste is collected, removed, and disposed of only at authorized
disposal areas.
Education
�� Have the contractor’s superintendent or representative oversee and enforce proper solid
waste management procedures and practices.
�� Instruct employees and subcontractors on identification of solid waste and hazardous waste.
�� Educate employees and subcontractors on solid waste storage and disposal procedures.
Solid Waste Management
�� Hold regular meetings to discuss and reinforce disposal procedures (incorporate into regular
safety meetings).
�� Require that employees and subcontractors follow solid waste handling and storage
procedures.
�� Prohibit littering by employees, subcontractors, and visitors.
�� Minimize production of solid waste materials wherever possible.
Collection, Storage, and Disposal
�� Littering on the project site should be prohibited.
�� To prevent clogging of the storm drainage system, litter and debris removal from drainage
grates, trash racks, and ditch lines should be a priority.
�� Trash receptacles should be provided in the contractor’s yard, field trailer areas, and at
locations where workers congregate for lunch and break periods.
�� Litter from work areas within the construction limits of the project site should be collected
and placed in watertight dumpsters at least weekly, regardless of whether the litter was
generated by the contractor, the public, or others. Collected litter and debris should not be
placed in or next to drain inlets, stormwater drainage systems, or watercourses.
�� Dumpsters of sufficient size and number should be provided to contain the solid waste
generated by the project.
�� Full dumpsters should be removed from the project site and the contents should be disposed
of by the trash hauling contractor.
�� Construction debris and waste should be removed from the site biweekly or more frequently
as needed.
�� Construction material visible to the public should be stored or stacked in an orderly manner.
�� Stormwater runon should be prevented from contacting stored solid waste through the use
of berms, dikes, or other temporary diversion structures or through the use of measures to
elevate waste from site surfaces.
�� Solid waste storage areas should be located at least 50 ft from drainage facilities and
watercourses and should not be located in areas prone to flooding or ponding.
�� Except during fair weather, construction and highway planting waste not stored in
watertight dumpsters should be securely covered from wind and rain by covering the waste
with tarps or plastic.
�� Segregate potentially hazardous waste from non-hazardous construction site waste.
�� Make sure that toxic liquid wastes (used oils, solvents, and paints) and chemicals (acids,
pesticides, additives, curing compounds) are not disposed of in dumpsters designated for
construction debris.
Solid Waste Management
�� For disposal of hazardous waste, see WM-6, Hazardous Waste Management. Have
hazardous waste hauled to an appropriate disposal and/or recycling facility.
�� Salvage or recycle useful vegetation debris, packaging and surplus building materials when
practical. For example, trees and shrubs from land clearing can be used as a brush barrier,
or converted into wood chips, then used as mulch on graded areas. Wood pallets, cardboard
boxes, and construction scraps can also be recycled.
Costs
All of the above are low cost measures.
Inspection and Maintenance
�� Inspect and verify that activity–based BMPs are in place prior to the commencement of
associated activities. While activities associated with the BMP are under way, inspect weekly
during the rainy season and of two-week intervals in the non-rainy season to verify
continued BMP implementation.
�� Inspect BMPs subject to non-stormwater discharge daily while non-stormwater discharges
occur
�� Inspect construction waste area regularly.
�� Arrange for regular waste collection.
WASTES LIFE SPAN
Every year, tons of plastic and other litter are tossed into rivers, left behind on beaches, or dumped into seas. We are talking tons, literally! This not only looks bad, but puts wildlife in danger, affecting our overall Eco-system. Checkout the lifespan of litter, how something we so easily toss, stays around for months, years, decades or longer!
Newspaper ~ 6 weeks
Cotton Rope ~ 1-5 months
Apple Core ~ 2 months
Cardboard Box ~ 2 months
Cotton Clothing~ 1-5 months
Waxed Milk Carton ~ 3 months
Photo Degradable Beverage Holder ~ 6 months
Plywood ~ 1-3 years
Wool Socks ~ 1-5 years
Plastic Grocery Bag ~ 1-20 years
Foamed To-Go Cup ~ 50 years
Foamed Buoy ~ 50 years
Tin Soup Can ~ 50 years
Aluminum Soda Can ~ 200 years
Plastic Beverage Holder ~ 400 years
Disposable Diaper ~ 450 years
Plastic Water Bottle ~ 450 years
Mono filament Fishing Line ~ 600 years
Glass Bottle ~ Undetermined.
So you can see, the impact these items make, especially plastic water bottles, which you always see littered. Here are some ways you can help!!
FAQ:
Why WE?
The answer is simple, but at the same time, mind-boggling. Let’s take a look at the statistics of Metro Manila’s solid waste. Based on studies made by the National Solid Waste Management Commission Secretariat based at the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), it is estimated that the per capita waste production daily is 0.5 kg. This means that for every person living in the metropolis, he or she generates half a kilo of waste a day. With an estimated population of 10.5 million, total waste generated in Metro Manila alone could run up to 5,250 metric tons per day. Or, 162,750 metric tons per month. Or, 1.95 million metric tons per year. Definitely, that’s a lot of waste to speak of.
Next, let’s talk about how our daily waste is being disposed of. Again, based on the EMB study, only about 73% of the 5,250 metric tons of waste generated daily are collected by dump trucks hired by our respective local government units. That is assuming our LGUs are faithful to their duties to us, taxpayers. The remaining 27% of our daily waste or about 1,417.5 metric tons end up in canals, vacant spaces, street corners, market places, rivers and other places where, ironically, there’s a sign that reads “HUWAG MAGTAPON NG BASURA DITO. ANG MAHULI, BUGBOG SARADO!”
That explains why WE need to act. As part of the problem, because we produce garbage ourselves, we can also be part of the solution by reducing our contribution to the waste problem.
Why NOW?
Because at the rate we are producing waste, we will soon find ourselves buried in our own trash. Or, shall we say, we will soon be having more of our human-made mountains of garbage amidst us?
The tragedy that has befallen the residents of Payatas dump site in Quezon City, when its mountain of garbage slid down, burying in its course not a few garbage pickers, should strengthen our resolve to do something about our wasteful lifestyles.
Second, talks about landfill, as an alternative engineering solution to the garbage problem for the so-called residual waste, is fine. But where to site the landfill is another thing. For years, negotiations for landfill for Metro Manila’s garbage had elicited not only long debates among our political leaders but also emotional outbursts from prospective host communities.
Perhaps the most important reason why we have to act now on the worsening solid waste problem is their impact on human health. Health is a basic human right. We all deserve to live in a cleaner environment. We all desire for a healthy family… a healthy neighborhood… a healthy nation. And, the only way to satisfy these desires is to do away with garbage that breeds flies, roaches, rodents and harmful bacteria that can spread diseases in our homes and in our communities.
While there were already efforts in the past to address the problem head-on, the passage of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9003, otherwise known as the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000”, marked the turning point in the national development agenda for improved solid waste management and resource conservation.
What is R.A. No. 9003?
Republic Act No. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act” provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that shall ensure protection of public health and the environment. It underscores, among other things, the need to create the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives, as well as imposes penalties for acts in violation of any of its provisions.
The implementing rules and regulations of R.A. No. 9003 are contained in DENR Administrative Order No. 2001-34.
What are the salient features of R.A. No. 9003?
a. Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the National Ecology Center (NEC) and the Solid Waste Management Board in every province, city and municipality in the country. The NSWMC shall be responsible in the formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework and other policies on solid waste, in overseeing the implementation of solid waste management plans and the management of the solid waste management fund. The NEC, on the other hand, shall be responsible for consulting, information, training and networking services relative to the implementation of R.A.No. 9003. The Solid Waste Management Board of provinces, cities and municipalities shall be responsible for the development of their respective solid waste management plans.
b. Formulation of the National Solid Waste Management Framework; 10-year solid management plans by local government units consistent with the National Solid Waste Management Framework;
c. Mandatory segregation of solid waste to be conducted primarily at the source such as household, institutional, industrial, commercial and agricultural sources;
d. Setting of minimum requirements to ensure systematic collection and transport of wastes and the proper protection of the health of garbage collectors;
e. Establishment of reclamation programs and buy-back centers for recyclable and toxic materials;
f. Promotion of eco-labeling in local products and services;
g. Prohibition on non-environmentally acceptable products and packaging;
h. Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility in every barangay or cluster of barangays;
i. Prohibition against the use of open dumps;
j. Setting of guidelines/criteria for the establishment of controlled dumps and sanitary landfills;
k. Provision of rewards, incentives both fiscal and non-fiscal, financial assistance, grants and the like to encourage LGUs and the general public to undertake effective solid waste management; and
l. Promotion of research on solid waste management and environmental education in the formal and non-formal sectors.
How can we help solve the solid waste problem?
There are many ways to do it. A highly recommended formula is to adopt the 3Rs of Ecological Waste Management: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE.
In addition to that, let us refrain from doing what have been prohibited under the law, to include but are not limited to the following:
a. Littering, throwing, dumping of waste materials in public places like roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks and establishments;
b. Open burning of solid waste;
c. Allowing the collection of non-segregated or unsorted waste;
d. Squatting in open dumps and landfills;
e. Open dumping or burying of biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials in flood-prone areas;
f. Unauthorized removal of recyclable material intended for collection by authorized persons;
g. Mixing of source-separated recyclable material with other solid waste in any vehicle, box, container or receptacle used in solid waste collection or disposal;
h. Manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging materials;
i. Establishment or operation of open dumps; and
j. Importation of consumer products packaged in non-environmentally acceptable materials.
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