Baseline study on waste recovery efficiency and mechanism of junkshops in the Municipality of Pavia

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the efficiency and mechanism of junkshops in the Municipality of Pavia on recovering wastes. It specifically intended to 1) determine the Junkshops practices in terms of a) recovering recyclable materials; and b) type of recyclable materials they mostly buy; 2) find out the effectiveness of their waste recovery efforts; and 3) evaluate the environmental management and hazards encountered by junkshops in Pavia. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Data collection involved conducting face-to-face interviews with all of the junkshop owners using an interview guide. Data were descriptively analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution. The findings reveal that most junkshops operate from concrete structures, typically owned by operators, covering lot areas ranging from 1,001 to 2,000 square meters. Monthly incomes vary widely, from Php 6,000 to Php 80,000, with operational durations ranging from 3 to 18 years. The study highlights that most junkshops in the Municipality of Pavia are registered with the local government unit (LGU). Household suppliers play a significant role by providing various recyclable materials to junkshops. These materials include paper, plastic, glass, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and batteries. Junkshops primarily sell the recovered waste to larger scrap traders in Iloilo City, involving activities like sorting recyclable wastes. While the importance of environmental management practices such as segregation and proper arrangement of materials is emphasized, operational challenges concerning air quality and drainage persist.