Solid Waste Analysis across USTP System: Basis for a Sustainable Management Framework

Authors

  • Gina C. Lacang

    Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro Campus, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines
  • Florianne T. Consolacion

    Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro Campus, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines
  • Sansen A. Handag Jr

    Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro Campus, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines
  • Mae Oljae C. Badilla

    Department of Environmental Science and Technology, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Cagayan de Oro Campus, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines
  • Allen Rhay B. Bayantong

    College of Engineering and Technology, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Claveria Campus, Claveria 9004, Philippines
  • Nathaniel E. Quimada

    College of Engineering and Technology, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Claveria Campus, Claveria 9004, Philippines
  • Leny Q. Añasco

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Panaon Campus, Panaon 7205, Philippines
  • Luis G. Cadiz

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Panaon Campus, Panaon 7205, Philippines
  • Ma. Liberty B. Doncillo

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Oroquieta Campus, Oroquieta 7207, Philippines
  • Nadeth R. Leopoldo

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Oroquieta Campus, Oroquieta 7207, Philippines
  • Colbert G. Rabaya

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Villanueva Campus, Villanueva 9002, Philippines
  • Lheida Mariz L. Baraccao

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Villanueva Campus, Villanueva 9002, Philippines
  • Brian D. Genon

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Jasaan Campus, Jasaan 9003, Philippines
  • Raymond C. Espina

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Jasaan Campus, Jasaan 9003, Philippines
  • Kimberly G. Maratas

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Alubijid Campus, Alubijid 9018, Philippines
  • Paikah L. King

    University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Alubijid Campus, Alubijid 9018, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i5.13314
Received: 21 January 2026 | Revised: 20 April 2026 | Accepted: 23 April 2026 | Published Online: 25 May 2026

Abstract

Solid waste management remains a critical concern for academic institutions striving for sustainability. This study assesses waste generation and composition across the seven campuses of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) to inform a system-wide solid waste management framework. A seven-day waste analysis and characterization study (WACS) was conducted in USTP CDO (Cagayan de Oro Campus), Claveria, Panaon, Oroquieta, Villanueva, Jasaan, and Alubijid to determine waste types, percentage composition, weight, volume, and per capita generation. Results show notable variation among campuses. USTP CDO generated 13 waste types, with residuals comprising 41%. Claveria recorded 14 types, with recyclable plastics (53%) dominating. Oroquieta and Panaon each had 12 types, with biodegradable waste at 53% and 52%, respectively. Villanueva (11 types) and Jasaan (16 types) were led by recyclable plastics at 29% and 27%, while Alubijid (6 types) had the highest share of residuals (51%). Differences in waste weight, volume, and density reflect variations in campus size and activity levels. Per capita estimates indicate that USTP CDO had the highest waste generation (0.90 kg/person/day; 1.2 L/person/day), followed by Claveria, while other campuses showed moderate to lower rates. The findings highlight the need for tailored waste management strategies across campuses. The study recommends implementing a comprehensive recycling program, strengthening waste segregation, and adopting appropriate technologies to reduce waste generation and improve overall system efficiency.

Keywords:

Solid Waste Management; Solid Waste Segregation and Characterization; Solid Waste Management Policy And Framework; WACS

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How to Cite

Lacang, G. C., Consolacion, F. T., Handag Jr, S. A., Badilla, M. O. C., Bayantong, A. R. B., Quimada, N. E., Añasco, L. Q., Cadiz, L. G., Doncillo, M. L. B., Leopoldo, N. R., Rabaya, C. G., Baraccao, L. M. L., Genon, B. D., Espina, R. C., Maratas, K. G., & King, P. L. (2026). Solid Waste Analysis across USTP System: Basis for a Sustainable Management Framework. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(5), 214–225. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i5.13314

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 5 (May 2026): In Progress

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Gina C. Lacang, Florianne T. Consolacion, Sansen A. Handag Jr, Mae Oljae C. Badilla, Allen Rhay B. Bayantong, Nathaniel E. Quimada, Leny Q. Añasco, Luis G. Cadiz, Ma. Liberty B. Doncillo, Nadeth R. Leopoldo, Colbert G. Rabaya, Lheida Mariz L. Baraccao, Brian D. Genon, Raymond C. Espina, Kimberly G. Maratas, Paikah L. King

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This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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