SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AWARENESS AND PRACTICES OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

ABSTRACT : Rapid urbanization and increasing consumption patterns have led to a growing global challenge of solid waste management. This study investigated the level of awareness and implementation of solid waste management practices among teachers and students at Bagacay National High School during the 2023-2024 school year. Results indicated a statistically significant difference in solid waste management awareness between teachers and students. While teachers demonstrated higher overall awareness, younger teachers surprisingly exhibited greater knowledge than their more experienced colleagues, and a strong positive correlation was found between teachers’ attitudes and their awareness levels. For students, younger age and lower grade level were associated with higher awareness, and, similar to teachers, a positive attitude strongly correlated with awareness. Furthermore, the study found significant differences between teacher and student perceptions of solid waste management implementation (p < 0.000). A strong positive relationship was observed between teachers’ awareness and their perceived implementation of practices, and also a strong positive relationship was found between student awareness and reported implementation. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted professional development for teachers, enhanced and consistent solid waste management education for students, promotion of practical application and active participation, addressing the perception gap between teachers and students, leveraging online platforms for student education, and further research on barriers to implementation.

KEYWORDS – Solid waste management, Awareness, Implementation, Segregation, Reduction, Reuse, Disposal, Professional development