Keywords:
environmental crime and law
environmental impact
environmental education
community engagement
sustainable practices

  • Abstract

    Effective solid-waste management is essential for protecting public health, preserving environmental quality, and supporting sustainable urban development. In Philippine cities such as Cabanatuan City, challenges remain in ensuring proper disposal, segregation, and community participation in waste management. This study examined residents’ awareness of Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) and their corresponding solid-waste management practices. A descriptive-correlational design was employed, with 1,113 residents selected from three barangays. Data were collected through structured questionnaires assessing both awareness of RA 9003 and the frequency of specific waste management behaviors, including segregation, recycling, participation in community initiatives, and compliance with proper disposal guidelines. Descriptive results indicate that residents rarely engage in improper or harmful disposal behaviors, with violation practices (e.g., littering, open burning, dumping, and burying waste) reported as Never (grand mean = 1.05). Compliance practices were more frequently observed, ranging from Sometimes to Always (grand mean = 3.53), with practicing the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) being the most consistent behavior. Awareness of RA 9003 was generally high (grand mean = 4.40, Extremely Aware), particularly regarding prohibitions against littering, open burning, operation of open dumps, and unauthorized removal of recyclables. However, awareness was lower for provisions related to handling non-segregated waste and mixing recyclables with other waste, highlighting areas for targeted education. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between awareness and practices (r = .778, p = .001), indicating that residents with greater knowledge of RA 9003 are more likely to consistently engage in responsible waste management behaviors. These findings underscore the critical role of awareness in promoting environmentally responsible practices and suggest that interventions aimed at increasing knowledge of specific legal provisions may enhance compliance and participation in sustainable solid-waste management initiatives.

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How to cite

Carmen, J. V. S. (2026). RA 9003 awareness and waste management practices in Cabanatuan City: A correlational study. Multidisciplinary Reviews, 9(9), 2026458. https://doi.org/10.31893/multirev.2026458
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