FRUIT AND VEGETABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AT PASIG MEGA MARKET IN PASIG CITY, PHILIPPINES

Date

2023

College

College of Human Ecology (CHE)

Abstract

The fruit and vegetable sector produces waste significantly, causing social, environmental, and economic loss. Thus, a study was conducted at Pasig Mega Market, Pasig City to describe the fruit and vegetable vendors' waste management practices. Vendors and government employees participated in focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Results showed an average of 100-200kg of waste are collected in the market daily, with leafy vegetables, Watermelon, Melon, and Saba as the common types. Focus group discussions revealed that discounted prices for suboptimal items, quality assurance methods, adherence to First-In, First-Out principle and marketing strategies are the vendors' efforts to reduce waste. The identified approaches in handling wastes are giving them as animal feed, creating alternative products, and returning damaged products to suppliers. Key informant interviews disclosed the local government and market administration practicesin waste management like composting and donation as animal feed for the local zoo. Moreover, it revealed improvement in the management implementing the ordinances. Problems encountered were focused on supplier issues, weather, market competition, and consumer preferences. Overall, their waste management reduces food waste disposed in landfills. Recommended strategies for vendors and administration are: valorizing food waste, organizing awareness and livelihood programs, and conducting regular evaluations.

LC Subject

Food waste; Fruit & vegetables; Public market; Wholesale; Retail

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

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