Socio-Demographic Assessment of Surrounding Community to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and a Dumpsite: The Case of Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines

Abstract: This study assessed the socio-demographic profile of surrounding community to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and a dumpsite in Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines. A total of twenty-two (22) households were interviewed using survey questionnaire instrument assessing household profile, opportunities, water resource and utilization, health status and services, waste management practices, and perception to disposal sites management. Result showed that most of the households were scavengers, microfinance businessmen, and material recovery facility (MRF) contract workers earning below the per capita poverty threshold. Prevalence of diarrhea, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases were likely common and medical services availed were largely dependent on barangay clinic and government hospitals. The use of groundwater for bathing, washing, cleaning, and cooking other than drinking exists. Domestic waste disposal of the surveyed households were complex involving collection, dumping elsewhere, recycling, and burning. Considering the current condition of the studied area it is recommended to establish an analysis on the impact of the MRF and the dumpsite to the groundwater resources and comprehensive health evaluation among households.