In the wake of the Binaliw landfill closure on January 8, Cebu City continues to grapple with a severe waste management crisis, prompting varied reactions from residents regarding the implementation of the city's "no segregation, no collection" policy. This policy, designed to enforce waste sorting at the source, has sparked both support and frustration among the local populace as the city navigates this transitional period.
Resident Experiences Highlight Enforcement Gaps
Many Cebuanos have begun segregating their household waste, but they report that the policy is not being fully enforced by city authorities. Stella Espanol, a 39-year-old resident of Barangay Zapatera, shared her experience, noting that while she diligently separates her trash, she observes no difference when it is collected.
"Yes, I do segregate... but when it's thrown out there, everything just gets mixed together again," she explained. Espanol added that enforcement was stricter in the past, with collectors inspecting waste and imposing fines on violators, whereas now, all trash is collected indiscriminately.
Her account underscores a critical issue: despite the long-standing segregation-at-source policy, weak implementation persists, and unsegregated waste continues to be collected without consequence.
Support Amidst Systemic Challenges
Other residents, like Edwardo Pialan, a 65-year-old from Capitol Site, have embraced the policy by using at least two sacks for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. He supports segregation for its role in keeping the city clean but acknowledges that the system often fails upon collection by garbage trucks.
Similarly, Shane Tan, a 22-year-old resident, praised the concept of segregation but pointed out inconsistencies in practice. "For me, it's really important to segregate waste. It looks better and keeps things clean," she stated, highlighting the aesthetic and hygienic benefits despite the challenges.
Broader Impacts of the Landfill Closure
The closure of the Binaliw landfill has exacerbated the waste crisis, delaying collection services and raising additional risks. Kathlen Dahunan, 35, warned that the accumulation of waste could lead to hazards such as fires, further complicating the city's management efforts.
This confusion and dissatisfaction reflect the larger transitional challenges as Cebu City seeks alternative disposal sites. While the town of Aloguinsan has agreed to accept the city's waste, Mayor Nestor Archival is studying the proposal due to the high hauling costs associated with the distance. Currently, waste is being diverted to a temporary transfer station in Consolacion.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Community Role
As the city explores long-term solutions, the role of residents in adhering to segregation policies remains crucial. The ongoing crisis serves as a reminder of the need for robust enforcement and community cooperation to achieve effective waste management.
In summary, Cebu City's waste crisis post-Binaliw closure highlights a critical juncture for policy implementation, with resident feedback emphasizing the gap between intention and action in segregation efforts.
