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ABSTRACTUrban sustainability depends critically on solid waste management (SWM), especially in high-end subdivisions where rich communities produce large volumes of non-biodegradable waste. With an eye toward implementation difficulties, community involvement, and adherence to national and local lawsparticularly Republic Act 9003this study examines SWM practices in high-end subdivisions in Davao City. Data from pertinent publications and peer-reviewed studies was synthesized using a systematic literature review (SLR).Results show that although high-end subdivisions usually rely on private waste collecting services run by HomeownersAssociations (HOAs), compliance with waste segregation and recycling practices remains inconsistent due of behavioral gaps, limited community participation, and inadequate policy enforcement. Although HOAs are essential for planning collections and encouraging compliance, lack of technical support and limited resources sometimes hinder their capacity. Among the challenges noted are poor coordination between public and private stakeholders, low awareness campaigns, and insufficient infrastructure for recycling and composting.This study emphasizes the necessity of integrating informal waste systems with formal solid waste management practices, enhancing institutional support, and implementing innovative technological solutions. Policy recommendations encompass the rigorous enforcement of RA 9003, the creation of centralized Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and the implementation of incentive systems for compliant households. The results emphasize the necessity for tailored interventions to meet the specific requirements of high-end subdivisions, ensuring that solid waste management systems are compatible with environmental sustainability and urban convenience. Future research should investigate the influence of technology, public-private collaborations, and community engagement strategies to improve solid waste management practices in affluent neighborhoods.INTRODUCTIONSolid waste management (SWM) is an essential component of urban sustainability, especially in high-end subdivisions where waste generation patterns diverge from those in other residential zones. High-income communities frequently generate substantial quantities of non-biodegradable waste, including plastics, electronic waste, and packaging materials, which needed customized solutions for effective management (Ferronato & Torretta, 2019; Wilson et al., 2013). Rapid urbanization in Davao City has made it even more important for these wealthy neighborhoods to have good SWM practices, since poor waste management can damage the environment and pose health risks to people (Olalo, Nakatani, & Fujita, 2022).The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003) in the Philippines sets out a complete plan for dealing with SWM. However, its implementation in upscale subdivisions frequently encounters difficulties concerning compliance, enforcement, and infrastructure (Bagolong, 2017; Go & Caelian, 2020). Homeownersassociations (HOAs) in these communities are assigned the responsibility of enforcing waste segregation and disposal regulations, yet numerous individuals encounter challenges due to insufficient resources and disparate levels of resident engagement (Almaden, 2021).Studies indicate that community engagement and conduct are critical determinants of solid waste management success (Baltazar & Seki, n.d.; Morales, 2015). In Davao City, upscale subdivisions generate a substantial amount of urban waste, requiring customized strategies to address specific issues like waste segregation, recycling programs, and community engagement. Research indicates that wealthy communities typically possess the resources necessary for the implementation of advanced solid waste management systems, yet may lack the motivation or awareness essential for active engagement (Limon et al., 2020). Addressing these gaps through strategic policies and community involvement can make waste management more sustainable.This research aims to look into how solid waste is handled in high-end neighborhoods in Davao City, with a focus on challenges in the implementation, community involvement, and compliance with local and national policies. The research questions are as follows:1. What are the current SWM practices in high-end subdivisions in Davao City?2. What challenges and barriers exist in implementing effective SWM in these areas?3. How can policies and community engagement be improved to enhance SWM practices?This study aims to identify deficiencies in existing solid waste management systems and propose practical solutions specifically designed for upscale subdivisions in Davao City.

Copyright © 2025 Michelle G. Savillo. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.