Characterisation of macro-plastic waste along the Philippines' longest coastal boulevard: basis for solid waste management and policy formulation

Abstract

This study focused on the characterisation of macro-plastic waste in terms of types and quantities along the Philippines' longest coastal boulevard, considering density and cleanliness as a basis for solid waste management and policy formulation. Macro-plastic identification and counting were conducted in four (4) municipalities and eight (8) barangays using the standing stock survey method. There were six (6) types of macro-plastic waste, with the highest quantity consisting of beverage (37.2%) and food packaging (30.5%), followed by fishing gear (17.0%), plastic utensils (9.2%), toiletries (4.8%) and household wastes (1.4%). The computed overall density from a total of 3,978 macroplastic waste items over 12,000 m2 of beach area sampled was 0.3 (CM), meaning there were 0.3 litter items of plastic per m2 throughout the whole boulevard. The computed overall beach cleanliness was 6.6, which means that the cleanliness status is moderate. Overall, most macro-plastic waste is generated by locals or visitors. In conclusion, a policy regulating the use, littering, and carrying of plastic along boulevards is recommended to prevent plastic pollution considering the province's growing ecotourism and the future expansion of the coastal boulevard.