Teoville Subdivision embarked on its solid waste management program in June, 1999. The initiative was borne out of necessity - the need to find a way to handle their own garbage especially after it became more difficult to find a way to have their refuse regularly collected. This situation became more alarming given the fact that sooner or later, landfills will not be able to accommodate the ever increasing solid waste of Metro Manila.

After studying various strategies of urban solid waste management schemes, the organization decided to choose close system composting. This system would enable them to optimize the use of limited space and the use of containers (drums or barrels) would prevent odor leaks. Lactobacilli was the choice activator microorganism to speed up the process of decomposition within five to seven days time.

Today, the operation services 110 households and markets organic fertilizer processed from their biodegradable wastes. They are also generating additional income from selling of non-biodegradable other dry wastes such as paper, plastics, glass bottles, and tin cans to junkyard operators. The operation now employs seven workers including out of school youth.

The commitment of both the Homeowners and the Paranaque YWCA to provide a practical solution to a very real problem has been the driving force in the success of this effort. It has brought together the key actors, the homeowners and the local civic organization, and especially the household helpers, to work together and make solid waste management a win-win situation.

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