Mandaue City Grapples with Severe Waste Disposal Crisis as Landfill Halts Operations
The Mandaue City Government is confronting an urgent daily waste disposal crisis, compelling officials to implement immediate short-term measures while developing long-term solutions. This emergency response follows the temporary suspension of full operations at the Barangay Binaliw landfill, a critical facility for the city's garbage management.
Three-Month Recovery Estimate for Barangay Binaliw Landfill
Araceli Barlam, head of the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO), provided a conservative estimate of three months for the recovery of the Barangay Binaliw landfill. She emphasized that this timeline remains fluid and heavily dependent on the progress of rehabilitation efforts.
"This is only a conservative estimate of three months. It will still depend on the recovery of the Barangay Binaliw landfill," Barlam stated. She added that the city cannot rely solely on this projection, maintaining open communication with waste haulers to potentially adjust existing contracts as needed.
Critical Role of Waste Segregation in Crisis Management
Barlam highlighted that proper waste segregation is a crucial factor in managing the city's garbage problem during this temporary arrangement. She explained that strict compliance from residents and barangays would significantly ease the situation, while non-compliance could exacerbate the crisis.
"If everyone does their part in segregation, this will not be a big problem. But if only a few comply, the situation will definitely become difficult," she warned. Barangays have already received instructions to enforce segregated waste collection rigorously.
Daily Waste Volume: 210 Tons of Garbage
MCENRO data reveals the staggering scale of Mandaue City's waste generation. From January to December 2025, the city produced a total of 65,685.51 tons of garbage. This translates to:
- Approximately 5,473.79 tons per month
- Roughly 210 tons of waste every single day
Barlam identified the primary challenge as determining where to dispose of at least 210 tons of garbage daily while the Binaliw landfill undergoes recovery. "That daily volume is now the crisis we are facing," she declared.
Temporary Solutions and Long-Term Planning
To address the immediate crisis, the City Government has identified key parameters including the scope of the problem and potential partners capable of providing rapid, high-volume hauling and disposal services. Barlam confirmed that the City is currently collaborating with partners who can respond to the daily waste volume.
She reiterated that all current arrangements are temporary measures designed to help the city cope while permanent solutions are being developed. "This is only temporary," Barlam emphasized. "We need to move forward using the lessons we learned from the tragedy at the Barangay Binaliw landfill. To sustain the milestones we have achieved, we must initially identify strategies and solutions."
Community Cooperation Essential for Resolution
City officials continue to appeal for cooperation from residents, barangay leaders, and waste collectors, particularly regarding waste segregation and proper disposal practices. Barlam reminded residents that existing regulations require garbage to be handed over only when collection trucks arrive, not left outside in advance.
"Our law is clear. Waste should only be handed over once the truck arrives. It should not be left outside," she stated firmly. As Mandaue City navigates one of its most pressing environmental challenges, community participation remains vital to overcoming this waste disposal crisis.
