Recyclables tops Santa Marcela's waste composition; Mayor Martinez, VM Guiang pushes stricter adherence to waste management

Santa Marcela, Apayao- Results from the three-day Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) in Santa Marcela revealed that among the four (4) waste composition from waste sources across the municipality, 261.77 kilograms of Recyclables was recorded, topping the list.

The recyclables outweighed the biodegradables, with data showing the latter generated 257.532 kilograms. Meantime, residuals recorded 195.333kg, and special waste at 117.625 kg.

In the analysis, it was seen that households were the greatest waste contributor in terms of weight with 469.201 kilograms, followed by Institutions with 221.857 kg, commercial establishments of 125.06 kg, and the least Industrial with 16.142 kg in total.

The figures imply that sources of various waste segregated their wastes accordingly – a positive sign that when consistently practiced will generate additional income for residents.

Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Benjamin D. Vega on Tuesday said the data generated through the WACS provide a baseline information for the LGU to formulate a 10-year plan of strategies, programs, projects, policies and activities that will address issues and concerns of the locality in terms of Solid Waste Management, and strengthen its drive to environmental protection.

"We will craft ordinances and policies to impose, to ensure proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment and disposal of solid wastes aligned with the codes of conversation, economics, public health, and environmental responsibilities," Vega said.

In a statement, Mayor Evelyn B. Martinez and Vice Mayor Rolly U. Guiang stressed the need for waste sources to adhere to essential parameters which shall be enacted and enforced, in order to enjoy a more balanced ecology and ensure avoidance of troubles that may be brought by deluge of wastes.

The WACS is conducted every ten(10) years.

This year was the latest which was done on September 6-8 at the EKB Memorial Sports Center in San Carlos, Santa Marcela, with the involvement of punong barangays, office heads and other LGU personnel.

Said initiative is one of the continuous efforts to sustainable solid wastes management, being supported by the PLGU, and PENRO.