Assessment of Macro Waste Density and Composition on Residential Coastal Zones in Surigao City, Philippines

This study aimed to assess the macro waste density and composition on the residential coastal zones in Surigao City, Philippines. This study employed descriptive quantitative research design using NOAA Marine Debris Program. Researchers collected macro-waste data from three sampling sites measuring a sample area of 225 m2. The researchers followed standard operating procedures to gather data correctly, weigh the macro waste to quantify the waste problem, recording the weights for subsequent computations. In the final phases, researchers utilize the recorded data to compute metrics like macro waste density, composition and the CCI to assess the macro waste problem existing the sampling sites. Results revealed that plastic bottles are the most commonly collected and abundant type of macro waste in the selected coastal residential areas, particularly San Juan, Dolong, and Sabang. In San-Juan, researchers collected 788 macro wastes weighing 4987.9g, with a density of 3.50, Tondo with 830 macro wastes weighing 4339.2g with a density of 3.69 were collected, and Sabang amassed 955 macro wastes weighing 3981.35g with a density of 4.24. Moreover, the majority of the macro waste composition was plastic bottles for all 3 sampling sites with 33% macro waste composition. Lastly, the Clean Coastal Index (CCI) of the 3 sampling sites have CCIs exceeding >20, thus classified as Extremely Dirty. Thus, it is concluded that plastic bottles have the highest dominance among other macro wastes found along coastal zones in Surigao City and all sampling sites share a common challenge of plastic bottle dominance in their macro waste density and composition with the classification of all sites as “Extremely Dirty” according to the Clean Coastal Index underscores the urgency of implementing comprehensive waste management strategies. Hence, it is recommended to conduct regular clean-up drives and promoting proper waste recycling practices in residential coastal zones of Surigao City as well as selling the artworks created from recycled waste to ensure the sustainability and consistency of our program aimed at maintaining the cleanliness of the coastal area.