Determinants of sustainability of polymer waste management: Structural equation modelling approach

Polymer materials, commonly known by laymen as plastics, may have contributed to the ease of living but now pose one of the most crucial environmental threats as with it comes various adverse effects with its subsequent management as waste material. To combat this, the Philippines enacted Republic Act 9003 to act on the implementation of programs and mechanisms, including the management of solid waste. This study sought to identify action areas that contribute to the sustainability of the Philippines’ solid waste management program, particularly polymer wastes. Responses from the 196 respondents residing in the Northern Philippines were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Results reveal that measures supporting the Polluter Pays Principle, Precautionary Principle, and Participation Principle contribute to the sustainability of the program.