Understanding Material Recovery Facility Policies in the Philippines: A Scoping Review

Abstract

This scoping review addresses a significant research gap in the comprehensive analysis of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) policies and their practical implications in the Philippines. The study aimed to identify and describe existing national and local MRF policies, explore key themes, challenges, and best practices in their implementation across various localities, and pinpoint gaps with proposed recommendations. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and PCC framework, the methodology involved a systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature from 2001 to June 2025 across multiple databases and government websites. The review comprised 18 documents, including 6 research articles, 10 public documents, and 2 NGO reports. The principal findings indicate that Republic Act 9003 serves as the foundational national mandate for MRFs, resulting in an increase in the number of facilities from 6,957 in 2010 to 13,612 in 2018. Local ordinances further strengthen these mandates. Key themes include decentralized implementation, a "Zero Waste Philosophy," and community participation. Significant challenges identified include weak policy implementation, insufficient MRF coverage and functionality (only 30.92% of barangays had MRFs by 2018, far below the 2016 target of 77.10%), limited public awareness, and constraints related to space and budget. Best practices identified in the review include the use of centralized facilities, leveraging existing infrastructure, and integrating the informal waste sector. Major conclusions highlight ongoing gaps in stakeholder cooperation, infrastructure, financial support, data, and a need for gender-responsive policies. Recommendations include stricter enforcement, increased citizen participation, enhanced education, and innovative solutions for addressing space and funding challenges.