Waste management in laboratory animal facilities is a critical aspect of responsible research conduct, environmental protection, and public health. In the Philippine context, animal facilities must comply with multiple regulatory frameworks, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), the Clean Water Act (RA 9275), and the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act (RA 6969). However, many institutions lack the infrastructure, technical expertise, or awareness to fully adhere to these laws. This session addresses the intersection of laboratory animal science and environmental regulation, emphasizing the importance of proper waste handling, segregation, disposal, and documentation to ensure both legal compliance and biosafety.

• Provide an overview of Philippine laws relevant to waste management in animal facilities.

• Identify the types of waste generated in laboratory animal research and their proper handling.

• Outline best practices for waste minimization, segregation, storage, and disposal.

• Strengthen institutional compliance with environmental and biosafety standards.

• Equip facility personnel with tools to develop and implement waste management protocols.

The session will begin by categorizing the different types of waste produced in animal research settings—biological waste (e.g., animal tissues, carcasses), hazardous waste (e.g., chemicals, disinfectants), and general waste (e.g., bedding, packaging). Each category will be aligned with specific Philippine regulatory requirements and disposal methods. The presentation will explore practical protocols for waste segregation at source, safe containment, autoclaving, incineration, and coordination with DENR-accredited disposal providers. Real examples from Philippine research institutions will be used to highlight common compliance gaps and how they were resolved. The session will also include a review of necessary documentation such as manifests, permits, and safety data sheets, which are often overlooked in routine operations. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in facility waste planning and the role of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) in ensuring compliance.

• Identify and classify the types of waste in their animal facilities.

• Interpret and apply relevant Philippine environmental laws to their operations.

• Develop a facility-specific waste management plan aligned with legal and biosafety requirements.

• Implement effective segregation and disposal systems.

• Improve institutional accountability and minimize environmental risk.

Effective waste management in animal facilities is both a legal obligation and an ethical responsibility. By aligning practices with Philippine laws and embracing context-appropriate technologies, research institutions can uphold environmental stewardship, enhance biosafety, and strengthen public trust in scientific research. Institutional commitment to sustainable and compliant waste practices is fundamental to the credibility of laboratory animal science in the country.