Cognizance and Practices of Junior High School Students at Zamboanga National High School West on Solid Waste Management

This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and practices of Junior High School students at Zamboanga National High School West concerning Solid Waste Management (SWM). It employed a cross-sectional approach using descriptive and correlational analysis. A total of 364 respondents were selected from a population of 5,943 using a G-power sample size calculator. A stratified sampling technique was applied to choose 91 students across four curriculum levels. A questionnaire checklist was developed, incorporating demographic details, an Awareness of Solid Waste Management (ASWM) tool, and a Practices on Solid Waste Management (PSWM) tool, adapted from the study "Solid Waste Management Awareness and Practices Among Senior High School Students in a State College in Zamboanga City, Philippines" (Catan and Molina, 2021, 24). Statistical analyses included mean score and standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analysis. The findings revealed that while students understood SWM concepts, their waste management practices—such as reducing, reusing, and proper disposal—needed improvement. Segregation and recycling were found to be the least practiced aspects. Additionally, age significantly influenced awareness levels, with 13-year-old students demonstrating lower awareness than older students. Female students showed a higher level of awareness than their male counterparts. However, there were no significant differences in waste management practices across different age groups. A significant correlation was observed between students' awareness levels and their SWM practices. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that school administrators implement a comprehensive solid waste management policy, including structured guidelines and a student handbook, to effectively address challenges related to waste management.