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CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study A food chain is a way of describing the flow of energy in food through a community. All food chains begin with organisms, such as plants, the producers, which will result to the decomposition of the remains of the organisms of the food chain. The chain must supposedly be continued, that is, the decomposition of dead matters and its conversion to soil nutrients which subsequently would recycle all materials needed to support the plant growth. But today, wastes are scattered everywhere, improperly disposed, and not utilized. They just add up to the environmental pollution, which is considered to be an ever-growing problem of the society. As stewards of the earth, humans are expected to preserve the beauty of nature, and this can be done through means that minimize pollution around us. Philippines, as one of the developing countries, is also concerned with the proper waste disposal which includes human waste. Human waste is actually one of the contributors of pollution. But with the help of mans innovations, a tool that lessened its contribution to pollution emerged- toilet. As years went by, man developed toilets which require no use of water but instead, only the gravity to carry waste to the outside of dwellings through drains, as applied by our traditional septic system currently used today. However, this septic system can

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lead to underground water contamination, and thus the trouble of getting fresh water from an underground source like wells and water pumps arises. In addition, the problem arising from inadequate toilets in urban and rural areas to cope with the population growth, nevertheless, still contributed to a large extent to the land, water and air pollution. The prevalent problem brought about by this type of pollution has given an idea of composting toilets. The use of composting toilets started in 1990 and is now implemented in other countries like Sweden, United States of America and United Kingdom. This study is therefore conducted to determine the application of this composting toilet in Philippine residential homes, especially in areas where there is scarcity of water, or even in the industrial sectors. It would economically and environmentally help the nation. If proven to be feasible and then be implemented, the implementer would foster a sustained food chain and a much healthy environment to live in.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM This study was aimed to determine the viability, practicability and profitability of the Proposed Production and Installation of Composting Toilet in Selected Urban Areas of Cebu City. Specifically, the following queries were answered: 1. Is the proposed project feasible in terms of the following aspects: 1.1 Marketing 1.2 Technical

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1.3 Management 1.4 Legal and Taxation 1.5 Financing 1.6 Financial 1.7 SocioEconomic Desirability 1.8 SWOT Analysis 2. Based on the findings, what recommendations may be proposed regarding the project?

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The establishment of a business venture is very challenging especially to the entrepreneurs. It is complex and time consuming especially from the conceptualization of the idea up to its implementation stage. With the help of feasibility studies, companies are able to estimate the requirements for a successful business undertaking. The proper planning through a study ensures a positive outcome which is worth their time, effort, and resources. From this book, several sectors of the society will be apprised about the composting toilets. They will be made aware of the benefits or advantages that may be derived when this proposal will be realized. This study is aimed to provide information to the sectors: the proponents, prospective implementers, future researchers, competitors, academe,

government, and the community.

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Proponents Throughout this study, the researchers, as future professionals, were able to acquire the knowledge required to prepare them to the real world of business. Likewise, they have learned to develop their skills and potentials: ability to cope up with pressure, to work as a team, and to relate with different kinds of people. The experience brought about by this study has indeed helped the researchers holistically. Prospective Implementers This study would substantially help future implementers as they decide whether or not they would pursue in investing to this project. Their decision will be affected by the data determined in the study, like the probable returns on investment, benefits that may be derived, and its related strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The implementers would then have the idea as to what measures will be undertaken so as to offset the future losses thereby maximizing profit generation. Future Researchers Being a researcher requires time, effort and dedication. A complete grasp of the processes in making a study must be attained by the researchers. This study therefore will serve as their guide in making their own research. With this book as their aid, they can accomplish their work well.

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Government The government can use the study in encouraging future investor to consider this kind of business project as a future investment prospect. Considering that this project would adhere to the initiatives and thrust of the government, this study would bring their attention on the need to support this type of business by promulgating laws to promote this type of endeavour. Competitors This study would serve as an instrument for future competitors to be aware of the new products and service so that they would also be challenged to develop or innovate their products or services to have an edge over the other products in the market, which consequently will redound to the advantage of the customers. Academe This study will be a basis for determining the extent of the quality of learning that the students had from their previous courses. Likewise, this study would be able to assess the overall quality of teachings the students have received, so that the evaluation of the findings can be used as a basis for the administration to improve or revise the course curriculum, if necessary. Community This book will provide the community information about the benefits that the project may be drawn from its implementation. Benefits may include the

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economic and social benefits. It will likewise give them the opportunity to know beforehand on how the product will work which they may find suitable for them.

DEFINITION OF TERMS To enhance the understanding of the study and to avoid confusion, the proponents provided the definition of terms which the readers may find incomprehensible. This is done to facilitate the communication of ideas that the proponents want to convey. The following are defined: Aerobic composting This is a kind of decomposition that uses oxygen to biologically decompose waste materials in a controlled condition until it stabilizes so it can be utilized. Aerobic decomposition process This is the type of decomposition that uses oxygen during the process. Ammonia This is a compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula NH3. It is a colourless gas with a characteristic pungent smell. It contributes significantly to the nutritional needs of terrestrial organisms by serving as a precursor to food and fertilizers.

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Beater This is a tool used for mixing something. This is made of steel rod used to mix the feces and other substances inside the drum in the process of decomposition. Collection chamber This is the drawer where the finished product or the fertilizer can be found. Composting Toilet This is a waterless kind of toilet in which composting takes place. Crank This is a device consisting of a handle that is connected to a shaft at right angle, enabling the transmission of motion to the shaft for the mixing process. Draining pipe This is a long cylindrical tube where excess water from decomposition and the water used in cleaning after defecating pass through. Drain screen It is used to separate the solid waste from the urine and is located in the lower portion inside the drum. Electric drill This is the tool used in installing some parts of the composting toilet.

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Epoxy This is the material used for the coating of the drawer. It has two part coatings designed for heavy duty service on metal substrates. It requires 4:1 by volume ratio and dries quickly providing a tough, protective coating with excellent hardness. Feasibility This is the degree to which something can be achieved or put into effect. Financial Aspect This aspect involves a thorough coverage of all monetary information of the venture which will aid the implementer of this study in making economic decisions. Financing Aspect This aspect covers the detailed information on the initial capital requirement for a business to be realized and the ways of procuring such needed fund at the most reasonable time. Hydrogen sulphide This is a colorless flammable poisonous gas with a characteristic smell of a rotten egg. This is usually caused by the action of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid on a metal sulphide.

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Impeller This is a rotor inside the drum of the composting toilet used to increase or decrease the pressure and flow of air needed for faster decomposition; such impeller should be 8.5 inches in diameter. Legal Aspect This aspect familiarizes the existence and subsistence of the proposed business in conformity with the existing legal requirement imposed by the government authorities and agencies. It also determines the scope of protection and the possible mandatory incentives that will be granted by the government if the venture is in consonance with governmental rules and regulations. Management Aspect This aspect discusses on the manner of managing, controlling and conducting of the internal system of the business. It also assists in the selection of business structure for effective operation. Marketing Aspect This aspect involves the careful study regarding the activities, pricing and promotion, incidental to the business existence. It also examines the demand and supply situation depicting the status of the product in the market. Mechanism This refers to rigid bodies connected by joints in order to accomplish a desired force and/or motion transmission.

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Methane This is a colorless odourless flammable gas that is the main constituent of the normal gas. It is usually used as fuel. Phosphate A biological molecule, it is composed of phosphorus and oxygen and plays a major role in biological processes of many organisms, especially in plant growth. Plumb-Bob This is a weight used during the installation, usually with a pointed tip on the bottom, that is suspended from a string and used as a vertical reference line, or plumb-line used to ensure that the hole made in the ceiling is aligned with that of the toilet. Project Feasibility Study It is the aim to objectively and rationally uncover the strengths and weaknesses of the existing business or proposed venture, opportunities and threats as presented by the environment, the resources required to carry through, and ultimately the prospects for success. Reciprocating saw This is a type of saw in which the cutting actions is achieved through a push and pull reciprocating motion of the blade.

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Rice hulls These refer to the hard protecting coverings of grains of rice. Sawdust These are tiny particles of wood produced when the wood is sawed. Septic system This refers to a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas with no connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations. Septic tanks These refer to the key component of the septic system which is several chambers dug underground to facilitate the anaerobic decomposition of human feces. Sewage treatment plants These are establishments that facilitate the process of removing contaminants from waste water and household sewage both runoff (effluent) and domestic. It includes physical, chemical, and biological process to remove physical, chemical, and biological contaminants.

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Shaft This refers to a duct or conduit for the passage of air, as for ventilation or heating. Steel Rod This refers to a cylindrical rod made from steel. Sulphates These refer to any salt or organic compounds of sulphuric acid that can be found in fertilizers and composts. Taxation Aspect This aspect lists down the applicable tax of the business as well as the permits and licenses needed for the legality of the status of the business. Technical Aspect This aspect provides complete information of how the proposed project is operated. It describes the whole nature of the business operation. Trichoderma sp. This is a kind of fungi that allows fast decomposition within two weeks. Welding machine This refers to the equipment used to perform the welding operation to combine two separate sheets or robs of steel.

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Welding Torch This is a device that holds the tungsten electrode, delivers shielding gas to the weld area, and insulates the welder from the welding current. RESEARCH DESIGN The study was conducted using the descriptive survey method. A groupmade questionnaire was used and an interview guide was prepared to boost the researchers knowledge on the project. In addition to these, data were gathered from trusted websites in the internet and published books. The study covered the residents of Barangay Pasil and Barangay Ermita. Barangay Pasil and Barangay Ermita are two adjacent barangays situated in Cebu City near the Carbon Market and University of San Jose-Recoletos. The proponents communicated with the barangay officials of the two barangays to gather information with regard to the barangays profile. The proponents considered the one hundred fifty six (156) households of Barangay Pasil out of the total one thousand seven hundred eighty-five (1,785) households of the said barangay and the two hundred nine (209) households of Barangay Ermita out of its two thousand four hundred (2, 400) total number of households. With the use of Sloven Formula, the total sample size is three hundred sixty-five for the both barangays with a total population of four thousand one hundred eighty-five (4,185). The proponents used random sampling in selecting the respondents.

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During the conduct of the survey, a questionnaire did not suffice so the proponents conducted an interview using the questions in the questionnaire during the house-to-house visit, because some of the residents find some difficulty.