SOLID WASTE GENERATION IN THE PHILIPPINES: A CORRELATIONAL ANALYSIS ON ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL METRICS

Abstract

The Philippines’ waste generation continues to rise from 37∙10³ kg∙aˉ¹ in 2012 to 40·10³ kg∙aˉ¹ in 2016, with a daily waste generation per capita oscillating from 300 to 700 grams for rural and urban areas. The study depicted a five-year correlational analysis on waste generation per capita as against Philippine Economic and Social Metrics for: (1) Average Family Income (2) Average Family Expenditure (3) Population Density and (4) Human Development Index. Both national and regional secondary panel data were analyzed that lead to identifying Average Family Expenditure as an Ecological Footprint (EFA) Indicator with highest correlation on waste generation per capita (WgC). Based on the five-year National Level Analysis, all independent variables exhibited a probability value lower than the significant threshold error value of 0.05. Hence, changes in waste generation per capita for the five year sample size is also recurring prior and beyond the sampling period of 2012 to 2016. Using Regional Level Analysis, an Equation Model was generated in order to predict the degree of changes per unit, stated in gram (with coefficient = 0.319) pertinent to the three remaining EFA Indicators. As depicted in the Equation, for every person increase in population density expressed in per km2, it will generate a positive increases on WgC by 0.0000714; while for every peso (Philippine monetary denomination) increases in family expenditure, has a decreasing effect on WgC by 0.0000009479; and that for every one peso increases in family income, WgC will generate an increase by 0.0000008573