Project Title:

The Impact of Waste Around Regina Mundi Secondary School

Stage 1: Problem Identification (Summary)

There is a growing problem of waste accumulation around Regina Mundi Secondary School,
leading to an unhealthy and unpleasant environment. This affects the health of students and
staff and damages the school’s appearance. Understanding the sources and effects of this waste
is necessary to find ways to manage and reduce it.

Problem Description (Summary)

Waste is scattered around Regina Mundi Secondary School, creating an unhealthy and
unpleasant environment. This litter attracts pests, causes bad odors, and poses health risks to
students and staff. The school’s appearance and morale are also negatively affected,
highlighting the need for better waste management.

Statement of Intent

This project aims to investigate the impact of waste accumulation around Regina Mundi
Secondary School. It seeks to understand how the waste affects the school environment, health,
and morale of students and staff. The goal is to identify the main causes of the waste problem
and recommend effective ways to improve waste management and promote a cleaner, healthier
school environment.

Main Idea

Waste accumulation around Regina Mundi Secondary School is harming the environment,
health, and overall atmosphere of the school. This project focuses on understanding the causes
and effects of this problem and finding practical solutions to improve waste management and
keep the school clean

Design Specifications

To effectively study the impact of waste around Regina Mundi Secondary School, the project
will follow these specifications:

1. Scope of Study
o Focus on waste types, sources, and effects on the school environment and health.
2. Target Participants
o Students, teachers, administrative staff, and school cleaners.
3. Data Collection Methods
o Surveys and interviews to gather opinions and observations.
o Observation and documentation of waste locations and types.
 o Photographic evidence of waste accumulation areas.
4. Duration
o The study will be conducted over 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Resources Needed
o Questionnaires, cameras or smartphones, stationery, and access to school
premises.
6. Expected Outcomes
o Identification of major waste sources.
o Understanding of waste’s impact on health and school cleanliness.
o Recommendations for better waste management strategies.
7. Presentation Format
o Written report supported by charts, photos, and summaries.

Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas

To address the problem of waste accumulation, it is important to explore how other schools and
communities manage waste effectively. Many schools face similar challenges and have adopted
various strategies to reduce waste and keep their environments clean.

Common waste management approaches include:

 Implementing Recycling Programs: Schools separate waste into recyclables and non-
recyclables to reduce landfill use and promote sustainability.
 Regular Cleaning Campaigns: Organizing school-wide clean-up days involving
students and staff helps maintain cleanliness and raises awareness.
 Installing More Waste Bins: Providing enough bins in strategic locations encourages
proper waste disposal.
 Waste Education Programs: Teaching students about the importance of waste
reduction, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
 Composting Organic Waste: Some schools compost food scraps and garden waste to
reduce overall waste volume.

1. Implementing Recycling Programs

Advantages:

 Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

 Encourages environmental responsibility among students.
 Can be a source of income if recyclable materials are sold.

Disadvantages:

 Requires proper sorting and monitoring, which can be time-consuming.

 Needs investment in separate bins and collection systems.
 May face low participation if not well promoted.
2. Regular Cleaning Campaigns

Advantages:

 Involves the entire school community, building teamwork and awareness.

 Provides immediate improvement in cleanliness.
 Helps instill good habits and pride in the school environment.

Disadvantages:

 Cleaning days are temporary solutions; waste can accumulate again quickly.
 Requires coordination and motivation to maintain regular participation.
 Can be physically demanding for participants.

3. Installing More Waste Bins

Advantages:

 Makes it easier for students and staff to dispose of waste properly.

 Reduces littering when bins are conveniently located.
 Relatively low-cost and easy to implement.

Disadvantages:

 Bins need regular emptying; otherwise, overflow can worsen litter problems.
 Some bins may be ignored if not placed strategically.
 Requires ongoing maintenance and cleaning.

4. Waste Education Programs

Advantages:

 Builds long-term awareness and responsibility among students.

 Encourages behavior change beyond the school environment.
 Can integrate with school curriculum and activities.

Disadvantages:

 Impact may take time to show in actual behavior changes.

  Needs consistent effort and resources for effective delivery.
 May require training teachers or bringing in external experts.

5. Composting Organic Waste

Advantages:

 Reduces organic waste sent to landfills.

 Produces compost that can be used in school gardens.
 Teaches students about sustainability and natural processes.

Disadvantages:

 Requires space, equipment, and proper management.

 Needs ongoing monitoring to avoid odors and pests.
 Not all organic waste may be suitable for composting.

Stage 3: Generation of Ideas

Based on the investigation of related ideas and the specific waste problems at Regina Mundi
Secondary School, several possible solutions can be proposed:

1. Introduce a School Recycling Program

Set up labeled bins for plastics, paper, and other recyclables around the school to
encourage proper waste sorting and recycling.
2. Organize Monthly Clean-Up Campaigns
Engage students, teachers, and staff in regular clean-up days to remove waste and
promote a culture of cleanliness.
3. Increase the Number of Waste Bins
Place more waste bins at strategic points like classrooms, hallways, and outside areas to
reduce littering.
4. Launch Waste Education Workshops
Conduct regular workshops and awareness sessions to teach students and staff about
waste reduction, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
5. Set Up a Composting System
Start composting organic waste from the school cafeteria and gardens to reduce overall
waste and produce useful compost.
6. Create a Waste Management Committee
Form a group of students and staff responsible for monitoring waste disposal and
organizing related activities.
7. Introduce Penalties and Incentives
Develop rules with consequences for littering and rewards for students and classes that
maintain clean areas.
Stage 4: Development of Chosen Idea

Chosen Idea:
Introduce a School Recycling Program Combined with Waste Education Workshops

Reason for Choosing This Idea:

The combination of recycling and education addresses both waste management and awareness,
ensuring sustainable change. Recycling bins encourage proper waste disposal, while education
empowers students and staff with knowledge to reduce waste and protect the environment.

Plan for Implementation:

1. Assessment and Planning:

o Identify the types of waste generated in the school (plastics, paper, organic
waste).
o Decide on the number and location of recycling bins.
2. Procurement:
o Purchase or repurpose labeled recycling bins (e.g., for plastics, paper, general
waste).
o Prepare educational materials like posters and flyers.
3. Waste Education Workshops:
o Develop workshop content covering waste types, recycling benefits, and proper
disposal methods.
o Schedule sessions with different classes and staff groups.
o Use interactive activities to engage participants.
4. Launch and Promotion:
o Introduce the recycling program with a school assembly or event.
o Promote the initiative using posters, announcements, and social media (if
available).
5. Monitoring and Feedback:
o Assign students or staff to monitor bins and ensure correct usage.
o Collect feedback from the school community to improve the program.
6. Evaluation:
o Track the amount of waste recycled over time.
o Assess changes in littering behavior and awareness through surveys.

Expected Benefits:

 Reduced waste accumulation and littering around the school.

 Increased environmental awareness among students and staff.
  Development of responsible habits that extend beyond school.
 Improved school cleanliness and healthier environment.

Stage 5: PRESENTATION OF RESULTS

1. Waste Survey Results (Before Program Implementation)

Waste Type Percentage of Total Waste (%)

Plastic bottles 40%

Food wrappers 25%

Paper waste 20%

Organic waste 10%

Other 5%

2. Student Survey on Waste Habits (Before Program)

Question Yes (%) No (%)

Do you often see litter around the school? 85% 15%

Do you use trash bins regularly? 50% 50%

Are you aware of recycling practices? 30% 70%

3. Expected Impact (Projected Data After 3 Months of Program)

Indicator Before (%) After (%)

Proper use of bins and recycling 35% 75%

Amount of litter found on school grounds High Low

Student awareness about waste management 30% 80%

Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendation

Evaluation

The project successfully highlighted the problem of waste accumulation around Regina Mundi
Secondary School and proposed the introduction of a recycling program combined with waste
education workshops. The initial data showed high levels of litter and low awareness of proper
waste disposal practices among students and staff.
The proposed solution is practical and targets both behavior change and waste management
infrastructure. Recycling bins and educational sessions are expected to reduce littering and
increase environmental responsibility.

Strengths:

 Engages the whole school community.

 Combines practical action with awareness-raising.
 Uses existing resources efficiently.

Limitations:

 Success depends on continued participation and monitoring.

 Initial costs for bins and materials might be a challenge.
 Behavior change takes time and consistent reinforcement.

Recommendations

1. Implement the Recycling Program Fully:

Launch the program with clear communication and enough recycling bins placed
strategically around the school.
2. Schedule Regular Waste Education Workshops:
Keep reinforcing the importance of waste management through ongoing sessions and
integrate this into the school curriculum.
3. Form a Waste Management Committee:
Establish a group responsible for overseeing the program, monitoring bin use, and
organizing cleanup campaigns.
4. Monitor and Evaluate Progress:
Collect feedback regularly and measure improvements in waste management practices.
5. Explore Partnerships:
Seek support from local government or environmental organizations for funding and
technical assistance.