One of the main causes of sea pollution is improper and irresponsible waste disposal, and as well as unregulated and untreated effluents discarded to the open sea. This study sought to determine the best waste management of fish canning factories of Zamboanga City that enabled them to achieve their goal of minimizing wastes as much as possible. Their systemic processes, procedures, and methods were being guided by regular inspection of the parameters standard values set by the Administrative Order No. 34 of Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Samples of seawater in the vicinity of these factories were collected, properly sealed and labeled, and brought to the laboratory of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for testing. Effluent samples from each canning factory were also taken and tested at the laboratory of DOST. Managers, directors, or heads of waste management committees of each factories were interviewed, along with tour, demonstration, and personal observation for the details and specifics of the waste management practices of their companies. Though the seawater in their vicinities have shown increased toxic substance concentrations, the effluents’ test results at the time of collection and examination revealed to have passed the requirements set by the administrative order of the government. This study concluded that the good results of effluent tests were made possible due to the best waste management practices of the canning factories which revolved around high-technology equipment and elaborate systems involving Solid Material Collection Systems, By-Procuts Handling, Oil Separators, Solid Separators, and Post-Processed Water Handling Systems.

Keyword: Waste management Seawater quality Vicinity of fish canning factories