Chapter 1: Introduction - Waste Management in McDonald's

chapter 1 ========= Introduction ============ The hospitality industry is integral to food service as it consists of a variety of entities that offer food and drink to customers. The scope of this industry is not limited to economic levels only but also positively enhances society through job crea...

chapter 1 ========= Introduction ============ The hospitality industry is integral to food service as it consists of a variety of entities that offer food and drink to customers. The scope of this industry is not limited to economic levels only but also positively enhances society through job creation and promoting dining experiences in the local communities. The food service industry faces these requirements because of the increasing consumer demand for diverse foods. One such responsibility incurring costs and influencing public perceptions, and ability to comply with laws concerns the management of waste. The waste management practices essentially collects, separates, recycles, and disposes of waste from both human beings and business activities. With the increasing demand for fast foods, waste generation is also on the increase, which comprises edible items, packaging materials, and disposable products, such as McDonald\'s. As a result, effective waste management is essential for responsibly addressing the waste generated by these establishments. This is important to prevent any negative impact on community resources while also ensuring that the surroundings remain clean and orderly. Waste management has emerged as a critical concern for the food service industry, particularly as consumer preferences shift towards convenience and rapid service. In the Philippines, the fast-food sector, represented prominently by McDonald\'s, faces significant challenges associated with waste generation and management. The growing popularity of fast-food establishments, coupled with the high volume of disposable packaging and food waste they produce, has led to an increased demand for effective waste management practices. This is essential not only for compliance with environmental regulations but also for preserving community health and enhancing corporate responsibility. The study is to investigate the waste management practice of the chosen McDonald\'s branches within Pasay City concerning their observance of the provisions considered in RA 9003 and the proposed changes needed. Through the analysis of these practices, the study seeks to emphasize effective waste management in the fast-food industry and draw insights into better operations within the selected restaurants. Background of the Study ----------------------- ​The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, in short, Republic Act 9003, lays down the guidelines for the management of waste in the country. This extensive law addresses several important components such as waste source reduction, waste recycling, and waste composting to tackle the issues of escalating waste, especially in cities. Upon encouraging and promoting prudent waste management methods, the law encourages every establishment including McDonald\'s to practice measures that reduce waste generation. Fast food giant McDonald's is the largest professional hamburger fast food restaurant in the world, providing food products like hamburgers, French fries, breakfast, and many other food services in a short time. Having established its presence in the Philippine market in 1981, McDonald's has most likely become the fastest growing in the evolution of food chains within the country with its many branches including Pasay City. The corporation focuses on providing speedy service and convenience but modifies its products to fit the locals, thus a consistent core message is maintained. Nonetheless, with the expansion of the chain, there has been a profound generation of waste, which called for multiple approaches to management between disposal and operations in cities. Particularly these are the operations of McDonald's restaurants in Pasay City which more than any other single establishment causes waste generation in the area. Considering its role in packaging and food which is in the fast-food industry, McDonald's and similar businesses are expected to implement strategies to minimize, recover, and comply with the waste policies enacted both at local and national levels. Operational challenges posed by waste management are further compounded by the high foot traffic levels coupled with the nature of customer activities typical of most fast-food restaurants. In line with Republic Act 9003, we have systems for waste management for every store McDonald\'s and implement these systems as prescribed by the law. This entails not only systems of waste management that are put in place for waste segregation and disposal but also systems that encourage and instill responsibility in workers and customers in managing waste. However, more so, existing systems in fast food outlets such as McDonald\'s are likely to be improved by the popularity of customers\' proper recycling and waste disposal attitudes. The study will examine waste management practices of some selected McDonald\'s outlets in the City of Pasay and the practices\' compliance with Republic Act 9003, and existing practices. This paper will evaluate the practices and aim at providing solutions to the problems and make favorable proposals to enhance the improvements in waste management issues. Research Questions ------------------ This study aims to determine the Waste Management Practices of Selected McDonald's Branches in Pasay City. Specifically, it seeks the following sub-problems: 1\. What is the assessment of employees and management in selected McDonald's branches within Pasay City in Terms of; 2\. Is there a significant difference in the assessment of the 3 groups of in the three Selected McDonald's branches? 3\. What are the challenges faced among the groups of respondents? Hypothesis {#hypothesis.ListParagraph} ---------- The study hypothesizes that: {#the-study-hypothesizes-that.ListParagraph} ---------------------------- There is no significant difference in the assessment of the respondents from the three selected McDonald's branches. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Scope and Limitation of the Study This study will focus on the assessment of Waste Management Practices of Selected McDonald's Branches within Pasay City. These aspects will serve as the basis for a proposed recommendation. The study's respondents are composed of 3 branches of McDonalds within Pasay City, (27) Management and (140) Employees of the selected McDonalds Branches on Pasay City. The study will be conducted in the following McDonalds branches: Rotonda Mcdonalds, Cartimar Mcdonalds, Villiaruel Mcdonalds The timeframe of the study will be from August 2024 to December 2024. Significance of the Study ------------------------- This study is significant and beneficial for the following: Customer. For creating specialized waste management solutions, it is essential to comprehend client preferences. By helping companies stay competitive and spot emerging market trends, this research eventually improves consumer loyalty and trust, which in turn improves corporate success. Employees. Based on the research, filling in skill shortages and offering specialized training programs will boost worker motivation and productivity, which will improve working conditions. According to the research, by identifying these gaps, specialized training programs can raise productivity and job satisfaction levels overall, which will ultimately result in a more fulfilling and productive workplace. Management. By understanding waste management practices, the research provides useful insights for strategic planning and effective leadership, empowering management to establish a positive workplace culture, put efficient processes into place, and make well-informed decisions that foster business success. Future Researcher. The purpose of this study is to increase current understanding while establishing the framework for further waste management research. By addressing current research gaps, it seeks to provide novel approaches to enduring issues, fostering the future researcher\'s development. Local Government Units (LGUs). Local Government Units gain a great deal from this research since it improves community participation, ensures that policies are successful and supported by evidence, and advances policy development. LGUs can develop a more innovative and responsive government and enhance public services by recognizing successful engagement tactics. The results may be applied to develop all-encompassing waste management plans, enhance environmental justice, distribute resources effectively, and motivate economic growth, all of which will eventually lead to a society that is more inventive and efficient. **Objectives** The Main Goal of This Study is to Take a Close Look at How Selected McDonald's Outlets in Pasay City Manage Their Waste. Here's what We Aim to Achieve: 1\. Assess the Current Policy, Researchers look at McDonald\'s present waste management practices in Pasay City, including waste reduction, recycling, and disposal. 2\. Economic Benefits, Researchers investigate McDonald\'s current waste management procedures in Pasay City, including recycling, disposal, and waste reduction. 3\. Influence Policy and Behavior, Researchers Provide Insights That Can Help Shape Local Government Policies and Encourage More Sustainable Practices Among Customers and Employees. Review of Related Literature ---------------------------- Local literature {#local-literature.ListParagraph} ---------------- Anon (2023) Despite the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Philippines still has problems with solid waste management. The goal of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 is to create a circular economy and enhance waste management. However, there are still problems with the scope, operationalization, costing, and involvement of the informal sector. The government ought to concentrate on promoting public-private partnerships and closing institutional gaps. (Camarillo and Bellotindos, 2021) The findings indicate a lower level of adherence to policies about public disclosure, incentives, composting, recycling, and segregation. The collection and transportation of waste as well as the application of fines and penalties exhibit moderate compliance. (Corales 2020) The study examined the attitudes and behaviors of 332 households in a rural municipality in the Philippines about garbage management. (Kabagani, 2022) To encourage citizens to start recycling, the Pasay City administration made managing plastic waste more enjoyable. (Ericson Esquibel Coracero, 2021) The text calls for public involvement and awareness while highlighting the significance of a trash-free Philippines. It proposes valorization as a solid waste management strategy that calls for cooperation, effective governance, and active citizen participation. Food waste is a pressing concern that affects not only developed nations but also developing economies like the Philippines. According to a study conducted by Li et al. (2019), it is evident that food waste poses significant environmental and economic challenges. The study emphasized the importance of implementing effective strategies and practices to manage food waste and mitigate its negative impacts. Additionally, the United Nations Environment Programme (2018) reported that food waste has global implications, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. This highlights the need for international collaboration and sustainable solutions to tackle this issue. It is essential for individuals, communities, and governments to work together to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable future. International Literature Hospitality industry makes a substantial contribution to food waste. The study examined several tactics and best practices for lowering food waste in this industry. Using staff education, and enhanced inventory substantial decreases in food waste through management and cooperation with food banks were accomplished and discovered that the hospitality industry makes a substantial contribution to food waste. Ahmadi et al. (2019) Waste produced by human activity poses an environmental threat. Selective garbage collection and recycling have replaced the previous waste management methods of collection, transportation, and disposal. (Л., В., Иванова. 2024) The main cause of the problem was the linear economic system that operated for many years, entailing resource depletion, significant stress on the environment, and climate change. This review highlights the significance of sustainable practices while examining the effect of waste management on environmental conservation. It emphasizes the need for eco-friendly techniques to reduce trash output and encourages recycling and reuse. The main contribution of sustainable waste management techniques to environmental conservation is highlighted in the paper\'s analysis of the advantages and difficulties associated with them. (Debasree, Lodh. 2024). (Benfancy, Kelechi, 2024) This essay examines waste management strategies used in the building sector, with an emphasis on sustainable practices, reuse, recycling, and waste prevention. It addresses the main origins and effects of building waste as well as its effects on the environment and the economy. Stakeholder responsibilities, best practices, and regulatory and policy frameworks are all analyzed in this article. Systems that are effective to minimize waste production, encourage recycling, and guarantee that non-recyclable material is disposed of properly. Garbage-to-energy plants and composting are two technologies that assist cut down on landfill garbage. Success requires enacting thorough waste management rules, promoting sustainable consumption practices, and increasing public knowledge of appropriate trash disposal techniques. World generations can benefit from a cleaner, healthier world thanks to these tactics. (K., Koteswara, Rao. 2024) Greenbank. (2024, April 2). The 5 R's of waste management Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle represent a comprehensive strategy to elevate sustainability and operational efficiency within your business. By prioritizing these principles, your company can significantly reduce its environmental footprint, streamline waste handling, and discover cost-saving opportunities. Local Study According to Unilever Food Solutions\' international article \"Kitchen Waste Segregation 101,\" kitchen waste segregation is an essential component of restaurant operations. The article stresses the need of separating waste at the source and the financial and environmental advantages of effective waste management. Restaurants may reduce mistreatment and improve outcomes by using bins specifically designed for different sorts of waste. The essay also highlights how improper waste management can have negative effects on the environment, businesses, and regulatory risks. In the conclusion, it emphasizes how crucial it is to put into practice sound waste management techniques in order to maintain sustainable and ecologically friendly restaurant operations. One issue that has received a lot of attention lately is proper waste segregation. Businesses benefit monetarily from it, but they also have a moral obligation to protect the environment. The importance of trash segregation in helping businesses separate their garbage for recycling and proper disposal is emphasized in an international article titled \"The Importance of Waste Segregation\" by the Axil-IS blog. The essay highlights two important waste management practices: reducing the amount of general waste produced and identifying and sorting recyclables. It implies that increasing recycling rates and reducing landfill trash require educating employees, putting waste regulations into place, and collaborating with waste management experts. This article clarifies the significance of trash segregation and offers insightful information on how businesses can contribute to a sustainable future. Based on the article titled "The malady of food waste: Millions starve as trash bins fill with leftovers" among many families about the folly of wasting food, but food wastage happens, and it does even as tens of thousands of people go hungry especially amid COVID lockdowns that kept breadwinners away from their daily sources of income.Oxam Pilipinas, said while countless Filipinos go hungry because of lack of food, many others are wasting these in volumes that would be enough to ease the hunger of those who have limited or no access to food. And the Action against Hunger said hunger meant periods when populations are experiencing severe food insecurity. People go for entire days without eating because of lack of food and money. In addition, UNEP said reducing food waste could improve availability of food and help solve hunger while saving money in economies suffering from pandemic-induced recession, like the Philippines. It would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food that is not consumed and would slow the degradation of the environment through land conversion and pollution. The World- Wide Fund for Nature said it was aimed at promoting a "sustainable food supply chain to achieve food security and nutrition." The article titled "Waste pickers collect food waste, help combat climate change" MALABON, Philippines; Marilene Capentes pushes a cart along the streets of Malabon city just north of Manila every morning except Sundays, collecting bags of segregated garbage. She places the food waste in a designated container so it can be turned to compost at the local recycling facility. The rest of the waste goes into separate containers and the recyclables are later sold. Capentes, said the trash used to be all mixed together and heavy until a local environmental nonprofit started asking residents to separate it a few years ago. The Mother Earth Foundation in the Philippines, as a member of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, is trying to prevent food waste from going to landfills, where it emits methane as it breaks down and rots. Methane is an extraordinarily powerful greenhouse gas responsible for about 30% of today's global warming. Along Capentes' route, resident Vilma Mendoza now understands the importance of diverting organic waste from landfills to reduce methane emissions to try to limit future warming. "If you mixed biodegradable to the non-biodegradable and throw it in the landfill, our environment will suffer," she said. Preventing waste from going into landfills, incinerators or the environment is a proven, affordable climate solution, according to GAIA. The international environmental organization, which advocates for waste reduction, is supporting its members, including waste picker groups around the world, that are working with government officials to set up systems to segregate and collect organic waste and establish facilities to compost it. The \"Food Waste Reduction Initiatives in the Philippine Food Industry: Challenges and Opportunities" said that the authors examine the various challenges faced by the Philippine food industry in reducing food waste. They highlight the importance of implementing effective waste management strategies and promoting sustainable practices within the industry. The article provides insights into the potential opportunities for reducing food waste in the Philippines and offers recommendations for improving current initiatives. This study aligns with our research on managing food waste at three branches of Mcdonalds in Pasay City, as it focuses on improving practices in addressing this issue. Restaurants in the area are known to expect the small Food Waste Truck every morning to collect buckets of food waste from their back doors. The waste is then processed in 2 machines such as rotary machine where it is combined with saw dust and enzyme, and a bioreactor where saw dust and animal manure are added. Both machines produce compost, which is cooled and cured for 3 weeks, before being packaged in recycled sacks made of election campaign tarpaulins. The compost is sold for P15 per kilo to farms or given for free to Marikina residents. The best way is for them to see a food waste truck that goes on actual collection with a specific schedule so that people would know when to gather their food waste and how to turn it over. These findings collectively underscore the significance of addressing food waste, not only as an environmental concern but to combat hunger and enhance sustainability in the food industry. Efforts to segregate, collect, and compost food waste, as discussed in these articles, serve as practical measures to promote a more sustainable and responsible approach to food consumption and waste management. International Study Based on the study conducted by Shihab. (2019). trash management is the process of gathering, moving, treating, and getting rid of trash that can be classified as solid, liquid, or gas. It seeks to reduce waste\'s detrimental effects on the environment, human health, and aesthetics. Residential and industrial sectors, urban and rural locales, and developed and developing nations all use different techniques. Based on the article "Sustainable Food Waste Management Practices: Perspectives from Five-Star Hotels in Thailand" by Uraiporn Kattiyapornpong, Morakot DittaApichai, and Chatchasorn Chuntamara offers a thorough examination of the hospitality sector\'s sustainable food waste management practices. With a particular focus on medium-sized and large five-star hotels in Thailand, the study seeks to address the scientific gaps in this field and support the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Objectives. Through the use of structured, in-depth interviews, senior management Using executives from five chosen hotels, the researchers find several sustainable control of food waste, encompassing planning, procurement, and policies operations, handling, disposal, recycling, donations, and storage. The piece not only draws attention to the difficulties small hotels endure but also provides helpful advice and suggestions for putting into practice sustainable methods for managing food waste. Another study by USHA, B, R. (2024). Discusses the importance of solid waste management in urban sustainability, highlighting its role in reducing environmental pollution, protecting natural resources, and improving public health. It discusses various aspects of waste management, including landfill management, recycling, composting, and waste reduction, and emphasizes the need for innovative technologies and public education to encourage sustainable practices. In their research "Sustainable waste management through behavioral science: Case studies around the world". World Bank Blogs. (2024) Successful waste management depends on stakeholder participation, social support, and a strong social contract with citizens. Many barriers hinder people from adopting sustainable waste-related practices, including ingrained habits, lack of knowledge, inconvenience, time burdens, and structural limitations such as inadequate infrastructure or prohibitive costs. In the study of Kumari, T., & Raghubanshi, A. S. (2023). Rapid urbanization and population growth have boosted trash output, making waste generation a major environmental management concern. The globe produced 1.3 billion tons of rubbish in 2012; by 2025 and 2050, that amount is predicted to increase to 2.2 and 3.4 billion tons. In emerging nations, where trash creation surpasses both population expansion and economic development, this issue is especially acute. Energy-generating techniques and other efficient waste management strategies are essential to the prosperity of a country. Waste-related issues can be decreased with an integrated waste management system that has well-coordinated policy, infrastructure, and funding. Synthesis Waste is a global issue that impacts many industries, especially the restaurant and hospitality sectors, according to the synthesis of the studied literature. According to research by Ahmadi et al. (2019), methods to deal with this problem include cooperation with food banks, better inventory management, and employee training. Chen and Zhou (2019) emphasize the importance of consumer behavior and the necessity of legislation for efficient food waste management. Studies conducted in places like Da Nang City, Taiwan, Thailand, and Mumbai shed light on regional issues and customs. The emphasis on five-star hotels in Thailand (Kattiyapornpong et al.) and buffet settings (Wu & Teng) demonstrates the variety of methods used in various hospitality situations. Notably, Nguyen et al. (2021) recommend that particular regulations are required for da nang city, and the importance of international collaboration. The articles stress the economic, environmental, and social impacts of waste. Efficient waste management, as discussed by Unilever Food Solutions and the Axil-IS blog, emerges as a crucial aspect for sustainable restaurant operations. Additionally, addressing waste contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating hunger, as highlighted by various sources, including Oxfam Pilipinas and the World-Wide Fund for Nature. Practical initiatives like composting, waste collection, and recycling, as exemplified in the Philippines, underscore the importance of community involvement and innovative solutions. Overall, the synthesis reinforces the urgency of implementing comprehensive strategies, policies, and collaborative efforts to address waste from its sources to its final disposal, promoting sustainability in the food industry. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework -------------------------------- This study focuses on the primary theory determining the gaps in direct Waste Management Practices of Selected McDonald\'s Branches in Pasay City through Waste Hierarchy. Waste Hierarchy is a framework that studies the avoidance, resource recovery, and disposal of waste to properly recycle and dispose of waste. Adopting a food waste hierarchy enhances the effective management of food loss and waste. Abu Elnasr, S., & Abu Elnasr, A. E. (2023, November) This research aims to contribute to the effective approach of solutions for efficient waste management within the selected McDonald's branches in Pasay City. Conceptual Framework The study used the System Approach Model with the Input-Process-Output (IPO) as a reference for performing this research, as illustrated in Figure 1 on the next page. The Input (I) includes references such as books, journals, periodicals, theses and dissertations, and other online sources, survey results on assessing waste management practices, problems encountered, and respondents of the study. The Process (P) consists of gathering data through a survey questionnaire as to the assessment of Employees and Management in terms of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, on the waste management practices of selected McDonald's branches in Pasay City, data analysis, and interpretation of data. The Output (0) is the Proposed Recommendation Figure 1\ Conceptual Framework of the Study **INPUT** **PROCESS** **OUTPUT**