In the Philippines, recycling takes place through a chain of activities involving various sectors, namely: itinerant waste buyers, junkshops, waste pickers, consolidators or waste traders and recycling industries. However, it is only recently that the large contribution of this sector is being recognized and acknowledged. In fact, there are already on-going initiatives to encourage the participation of the recycling sector particularly the informal waste sector in the promotion of the 3Rs in the country.

For this year, SWAPPCON 2008 is highlighting the perspectives, needs, strategies and best practices of the recycling sector involved in waste recovery – from the primary collectors (itinerant waste buyers/ pickers), middlemen, recycling agents, junkshops, recycling centers and traders and the recycling industries. At the end of the conference, the participants are expected to have a better appreciation of the recycling sector and be able to develop partnership and network with the sector.

The conference was a 2-day event which was preceded by a study tour and followed by a two-day training. The objectives of the conference are:

Conference Overview

Study Tour (Day 1)

Before the conference, a study tour was conducted around Pasig City which is known to be the Recycling Industry Capital of the Philippines. The participants visited sites which showcase recycling initiatives and best practices in the City. The sites included: KILUS Foundation Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Brgy. Ugong (Livelihood Program from Recycling); Sagad Elementary and High School (School-based Recycling); and Asahi Glass Co. Flat Glass Phils. Inc. (Flat Glass Recycling).

Conference Proper (Day 2 & 3)

The first day of the conference focused on the different recycling industries and post-consumer product recycling enterprises. The presentations were carried out through panel discussions.

The first panel discussion revolved around material recovery issues and concerns of the recycling industry. The presenters discussed the different subsectors of the industry, namely: paper and pulp, plastics, lead batteries, and e-waste.

The second panel discussion tackled the topic of post-consumer product recycling enterprises. The presentations included:

The second day of the conference explored partnership models with the recycling sector. Different modes of partnership between the LGU and the private/business sector (informal or formal) were discussed such as:

Training (Day 4 & 5)

Training on the Establishment and Operations of a Materials Recovery Facility was held after the conference proper. To complement the conference, the training was primarily aimed at building and strengthening the capability of participants in establishing and managing an MRF.

Conference Attendance

The conference was attended by 95 participants and joined by 25 resource persons. Half of the participants are representatives of local government units from different parts of the country (Luzon – 30; Visayas – 18; Mindanao – 4). The LGU participants are heads and/or staff of their respective offices - SWM Office, M/CENRO, City Health Office and Municipal/City Office. Representatives from private organization (25), NGOs (15), and academe (3) comprise the other half of the conference attendees. Six (6) mayors attended the conference along with 1 vice-mayor, 3 Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members and 3 Sangguniang Bayan Members. 

Table 1. Profile of Participants

Conference Evaluation

Almost 40% of the participants took part in the conference evaluation. All participants found their expectations met. Majority found the topics discussed in the conference relevant. Most of the participants gave a very satisfactory rating on the methodology used. In the same way, majority of the participants found the resource persons and facilitators competent and accommodating.

In the evaluation form, the participants cited concrete ways of applying their learnings from the conference such as:

Financial Contributions

The Conference organizers would like to thank all those who made a financial contribution to the Conference, including those who funded individual participant’s travel, accommodation or other expenses. In particular we would like to thank Ayala Foundation Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc., Department of Environment and Natural Resources, INCA Plastics Molding Co., ISSUE2, Manila Ocean Park, Metro Clark Waste Management Co., Motolite Battery, National Solid Waste Management Commission, Pasig City LGU, PhilGBC, Polystyrene Packaging Council of the Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, Tetrapak, Trust International Paper Co., Trevi’s Internationale Corp., and UK Trade and Investment for their generous contributions and support. We would also like to thank all those who voluntarily gave their time in planning, organizing and participating in the Conference.