Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has openly acknowledged that the complete enforcement of the waste segregation policy by March remains a significant challenge, primarily due to persistent issues with landfill facilities in the area. In an interview conducted on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Archival revealed that despite the city's efforts to separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, progress has been hindered by a lack of clear and adequate disposal sites.
Landfill Access Disruptions and Financial Concerns
Compounding the problem, Cebu City has been prohibited from dumping waste at the Asian Energy facility in Barangay Polog, Consolacion since February 20, 2026, due to unresolved payment disputes. Mayor Archival did not sign a memorandum of agreement that would have extended dumping privileges at this site until March 31, as the facility is already at capacity, serving four other municipalities.
Currently, the city's garbage is being transported to the San Rafael Landfill Corp. in Aloguinsan City. According to John Paul Gelasque, head of the Department of Public Services, up to 25 garbage trucks make daily trips from the transfer station at Pond A in the South Road Properties (SRP). However, the City Council has expressed growing concerns over the escalating costs associated with this alternative arrangement.
Long-Term Solutions and Penalties for Non-Compliance
Despite these setbacks, Mayor Archival emphasized that waste segregation is the long-term solution to the city's garbage woes. Once the "No Segregation, No Collection" policy is fully implemented, violators will face strict penalties: a first offense will incur a P1,000 fine and four hours of community service, a second offense will result in a P2,000 fine, and third or subsequent offenses will lead to a P5,000 fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
Archival aims to reduce daily waste by 100 tons through effective segregation, which could result in substantial savings on hauling expenses for the city. He is hopeful that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will approve the environmental compliance certificate (ECC) for the Philippine Waste Solutions (PWS) to open interim cells capable of accepting waste for two months.
Temporary Measures and Community Involvement
In addition, city councilors are pushing for the opening of a three-hectare section in Binaliw by March 2026 as a temporary solution. According to PWS manager Niño Abellana Jr., the rehabilitation of the entire 17-hectare landfill could take anywhere from six months to a year.
Mayor Archival has issued a call to action for residents, urging them to start segregating waste at the household level immediately. He stressed that community participation is crucial for the success of these environmental initiatives and for mitigating the ongoing landfill crisis in Cebu City.
