Xavier University has now established its baseline data for solid waste management program. Through the Physical Plant Office (PPO), a trial run was conducted for one week and also during the special event of Xavier Days in order to estimate the different volumes of wastes being produced. Now that some data has been gathered, the challenge is to reduce wastes of 9-18 cubic meter per week by 50% and reinforce waste segregation project in the University.
Projected Activities, 1st Quarter 2011
1. Tracking Waste. Since the figures (volume) are known, the PPO is set to conduct weekly monitoring of waste, starting from its source point to destination point. In relation to this, a visit was made to the City landfill at Sitio Zayas Barangay Carmen where the University generally dumps its waste. The visit provided not only the volume and composition of wastes generated in the City but also the framework on how to proceed with the solid waste management program of the University. Effective implementation of waste segregation inside the campus lessen the amount of waste in the landfill and the accumulated costs incurred in transporting those waste. Part of the effort now is to identify the types and volume of wastes being gathered from the grounds and produced by each unit or department in the university.
2. Empowering University Offices’ Participation. This activity seeks to integrate offices to the solid waste management program. The idea is to start segregation from the offices to facilitate effective waste segregation. As an awareness exercise all trash bins in an office area are collected and sorted in order to know the type of wastes generated. Through this inventory, appropriate bins for different wastes are better agreed up and designated. Following this the segregation is maintained through the collection system to avoid mixing up of wastes thus minimizing the need to hire extra manpower to do the segregation.
3. Composting of Yard Waste. About 17 bins or 680 liters of yard waste are produced weekly. The collected yard waste is expected to feed into the MANRESA composting area. The compost area is to be discussed given the estimated volume of yard waste.
4. Drainage Management. To add to the existing (one) biopori at the SE section of the soccer field at least 10 additional holes are to be dug to facilitate runoff infiltration. The appropriate design is to be discussed.
Initially identified areas for biopori holes are: a) NE corner of the chapel near the parking lot, b) sinking portions in the parking lot, and c) NW section of the soccer field, near the designated area for bins. Also included in the plan is the review of cemented path walks and pavements where biopori holes can be placed so that grounds are not completely sealed and allows runoff to flow through.
Further, acacia, narra, and talisay trees along the soccer field are to be off limits from students and staff to avoid soil compaction to facilitate better infiltration. The net wall at the north section of the soccer field might be extended to the fence the trees for protection.
5. Space Management. Building materials and rubbles, sand and gravel, woods, and dead trees are to be sorted.
6. Policy Review. The committee is set to meet in February 2011 to discuss the policy on solid waste management program for integration to broader environmental program of the university.
Reactivity of the Natural Biopori Processes in the University
Some areas that are supposed to be absorbing water are already built up areas. The developments and beautification activities are seen essential for keeping the campus in order and pleasant. To improve the overall physical development in the campus, natural processes need to be integrated in the overall design and landscaping activities.
The trees planted around the soccer field are planted to act as natural biopori. Given the complex root systems of these trees, they are expected to increase the flow of water into the ground and also absorb water thus lessen the problem of flooding. However, these trees are easily accessible by people and the soil is compacted limiting the water’s ability to infiltrate into the ground.
During rainy season, “spiking” the soccer field might be a good technique to try. This method creates holes in the ground for better drainage (this reducing compaction is used in some golf courses).
Related Documents:
- Tracking Waste Sample Form, (Download PDF)
- Physical Planning Office trial run, (Download PDF)
- Solid Waste Management Program, (Download PDF)