Undergraduate Thesis Bachelor of secondary education Major in Science University of Rizal System, Rodriguez, Rizal
2023

This study aims to document and analyze the implementation of 5R's in selected püblic high schools at Montalban, Rizal during school year 2023-2024. In terms of the profile of the respondents, there were sixty respondents the largest
age group were, thirteen to eighteen years while the least percentage of the
respondents were in ages nineteen to twenty-five years old. The respondents consisted of forty-three females and seventeen males. In terms of school position,
fifty-one were identified as followers of the practices and nine as implementers of
the practices. Each of the three schools surveyed had twenty affiliated
respondents. The researchers used a Qualitative-Quantitative method of research for this study. The researchers used an interview guide, survey questionnaire and checklist for each respondent.
Based on the findings of the study, the most common practices on solid waste management were noted to be refusing items such as composted wastes converted into fertilizer. Disposing items in proper trash bins are their common
"reduce" practices. While in recycling and repurposing, they confirmed converted wastes by creating arts and crafts. Moreover, they practice refusing waste by bringing and using reusable containers on a daily basis.
In the implementation of 5R's in school, reusing materials are always being practiced by the followers. Such that waste materials are converted into fertilizers,
and used papers are utilized as memo pads and as solving materials. Likewise,
they practice using grocery bags, reusable food and water containers. Unused
clothes and toys are donated for outreach purposes or for orphanage.
In solid waste practice, respondents prefer to reduce waste by eating lunch
in school using reusable containers which was interpreted as always. The following
preferred practices is reducing waste through using reusable items rather than the
used items, interpreted as often. The least when it comes to reducing waste is
"Converting food waste into animal feeds."
Previous research has primarily concentrated on reduce and recycle, while
ignoring to reuse. In terms of waste reduction, resource conservation, and maintaining quality of life, reuse is known to be more effective than recycling.
The school respondents preferred repurposing or recycling through arts and crafts, buying recycled materials, and, turning old items into new products, Generating funds from plastic bottles, metals, or cans ranked lowest in repurposing
and recycling practices
In terms of reducing waste materials, the school respondents revealed that items are consistently disposed off in proper trash bins, while biodegradable items are often deposited in compost pits. Waste materials are commonly discarded in shared dumps, and non-biodegradable items are frequently sold in junk shops.
Additionally, hazardous wastes, including those used in laboratories, are regularly disposed off in designated garbage intended for such materials.
Moreover, the respondents focused on the consistent separation of waste materials. Results indicated that biodegradable items, such as papers, leaves, and vegetables, are consistently distinguished from non-biodegradable materials, including plastics, wires, and cans. Furthermore, recyclable items like papers, plastic bottles, and cans are consistently segregated from non-recyclable waste
like food waste and leaves. Additionally, respondents consistently separated non-harmful waste from toxic materials such as batteries, ink, and Pentel pens. These
findings underscore the importance of effective waste management strategies in
promoting sustainability within educational institutions.
Furthermore, data shows that the respondents' preferred method of
disposing of solid waste in proper trash bins. The fourth or last in the ranking in
terms of reducing waste is the challenge to sell non- biodegradable products in
junk shops. According to the data we gathered from respondents, one of the problems they encountered whilst utilizing 5R's practices and programs was the unwillingness to participate in the program. Another difficulty is inconsistency in following the implementation of 5R's in schools, which makes it difficult to attain its
purpose.
The followers suggested to invest in better waste management infrastructure, like recycling facilities, and make recycling and composting more accessible in public spaces. Moreover, encouraging them to change their habits, like using reusable items and avoiding excessive packagings are also keys in
achieving successful 5R's practices.
In light of the findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were drawn. Students from an early age should be properly guided, instructed, and supported in doing the right practices to take care of the environment so that they
can be a responsible citizen of the society. Parents should support and enlighten their children about the importance of practices that help to serve the natural
environment. Teachers should educate and guarantee students to follow and perform the practices about 5R's. Local Government Unit may conduct more programs related to 5R's practices that can help the school community, Future
researchers can conduct more related study that will help the community to
exemplify best practices in the implementation of 5R's programs.