Solid waste diversion model for the local government units in Davao del Norte

Abstract

This study examined the dimensions of solid waste diversion and developed a validated measurement model for local government units in Davao del Norte. Employing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the study engaged Municipal Environmental Resource Officers, Barangay Captains, and Solid Waste Management Focal Persons as respondents. Through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), seven key factors were identified—waste characterization, management fees and penalties, incentives and reward schemes, enabling government policies, infrastructure for resource recovery, awareness campaigns, and logistical support—which collectively explained 65.14% of the total variance. All factors showed high reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.70, and were largely independent based on factor correlations.

Subsequently, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) determined Model 3 as the best-fitting model. The model was refined by correlating error terms of selected items (Items 2, 4, 11, 15, 17, and 19), significantly enhancing the fit indices. The final model achieved strong statistical indicators: RMSEA = 0.026 (p-close > 0.05), NFI = 0.924, TLI = 0.937, CFI = 0.919, and χ²/df = 1.324 (p = 0.062). Model parsimony was also supported by reduced forecasting errors with AIC = 1312.430 and BIC = 1142.005. The findings offer a robust framework for measuring and enhancing waste diversion performance at the local level.