2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 14
Available Online: 18 December 2025
Author/s:
Banzuela, Jason*
Partido State University, Philippines (jbanzuela.pbox@parsu.edu.ph)
Lopez, May Faith
Partido State University, Philippines (flopez.pbox@parsu.edu.ph)
Azañes, Roldan
Partido State University, Philippines (razanes.pbox@parsu.edu.ph)
Abstract:
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management remains a critical challenge in the Philippines, particularly in rural municipalities where engineered landfills and segregation systems are limited. This study examines the waste quality and organic fraction of end‑of‑pipe MSW in Tinambac, Camarines Sur, with emphasis on energy recovery potential. Sampling was conducted at the Barangay Camagong controlled dumpsite, where proximate analysis was performed to determine moisture and ash content, following the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (JICA WACS). The Kyoto University empirical formula was also applied to evaluate calorific value. Results showed an average moisture content of 36.66%, which reduces combustion efficiency but remains typical for tropical MSW. The dry composition was dominated by plastics/rubber (32.36%), organics (31.83%), and paper/absorbents (17.39%), yielding a combustible fraction of 93.14%. Ash content averaged 8.89%, with garden waste at 12.43% and kitchen waste at 23.37%, indicating moderate inorganic residues. Calorific value calculations produced ~4,585 kcal/kg using the Kyoto method with a plastics ratio of P=0.322. It exceeds the 1,400 kcal/kg minimum threshold for incineration, confirming strong energy recovery potential. Plastics and rubber have a high calorific value, suitable for pyrolysis or incineration, while organics are better directed to anaerobic digestion for biogas production. Metals, glass, and ceramics, comprising 7.17% of the waste, remain essential for recycling. Findings underscore the importance of source segregation, moisture reduction, and targeted treatment of specific fractions to maximize energy recovery and minimize environmental impacts, supporting circular economy practices in rural Philippine municipalities.
Keywords: proximate analysis, waste-to-energy, end-of-pipe, municipal solid waste, organic fraction
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25319
Cite this article:
Banzuela, J., Lopez, M. F., & Azañes, R. (2025). Waste quality and organic fraction analysis of the end-of-pipe municipal solid waste: The case of Tinambac, Camarines Sur, Philippines. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(14), 267-278. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25319