Understanding the role of informal waste system in ecological solid waste management : a constructivist grounded theory approach / Jhazz B. Sanda, Angelina D. Salvadora, and Denice Erica B. Del Rosario.

Undergraduate Theses (BPA) - Public Administration. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2025

Includes bibliographic references.

Informal waste systems play a crucial role in Ecological Solid Waste Management specifically in waste disposal practices in the Philippines. They are often unnoticed and unrecognized. Therefore, this study focuses on the general question: How do the objectives, collaboration, strategies, personal experiences, and practices of informal waste workers influence the effectiveness of informal waste systems? This study employed a qualitative design; therefore, it does not rely on a specific set of numerical data for data collection, analysis and interpretation. Instead, it utilized a set of self-made interview questions for data collection and applied theoretical analysis to generate themes and codes. This approach was selected to ensure that the research questions were addressed meaningfully and subjectively. The key results of the study led to the development of a constructivist grounded theory called Jhande's theory also referred to as the Bottom-Up Waste Management Theory, based on saturated data gathered from participant interviews. This theory was formulated to deeply understand the role of informal systems in ecological waste management. In addition, an action plan was proposed to significantly support informal waste workers, informal waste systems, and the ecological solid waste management system. The findings imply that there is an urgent need to provide informal waste workers with proper recognition, fair treatment, and structured support for their contributions to solid waste management without being formally absorbed into the government system. Challenges such as inconsistent pricing among cooperatives, work conditions, lack of accurate information directly affect their income. To address garbage collection issues, proper coordination and the designation of a barangay kagawad to oversee government waste collection are recommended. Strengthening partnerships between informal workers and local communities can lead to a more efficient, fair, and sustainable waste management approach. Additionally, ensuring benefits coming from the DOH for PPE and medical assistance is necessary to secure their health and safety.