A deadly landslide at a major landfill in Cebu City has claimed one life and left six others injured, prompting an urgent search for a temporary waste disposal site to prevent a garbage crisis.
Landslide Tragedy Halts Operations
One person died and six were injured after a landslide hit the staff housing and office area of Prime Waste Inc. in Barangay Binaliw on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed the casualties. Search and rescue operations are ongoing on a 24-hour basis and are expected to continue until January 11, after which retrieval operations will begin.
Cebu City Scrambles for a Temporary Solution
Following the suspension of dumping at the Binaliw facility, the Cebu City Government is now coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to identify a temporary landfill that can accept garbage for approximately 15 days. Mayor Nestor Archival stated the city has formally sought the DENR's help to communicate with landfill operators across Cebu.
"We are informing DENR that we need your help," Archival said. The agency will reach out to operators and assess possible sites. Suggested locations include landfills in Consolacion and Minglanilla, but the concerned local government units have not yet agreed. The mayor emphasized the request is strictly for a short-term arrangement.
Cebu City generates between 500 to 600 tons of garbage daily. The Binaliw landfill also receives waste from neighboring cities like Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and possibly Talisay.
Long-term Measures and Current Assessments
While awaiting a temporary site, the city is exploring setting up a transfer station at Inayawan or the South Road Properties (SRP), pending necessary permits and DENR coordination. The DENR has shown openness to issuing a special permit for a suitable, properly assessed location.
Mayor Archival stressed the situation is not yet a public health crisis, as garbage volume has not doubled. He acknowledged a potential slight increase during the Sinulog Festival but expects normalization afterward.
As a longer-term strategy, the city plans to reduce waste sent to Binaliw by diverting an estimated 300 tons of daily biodegradable waste and no longer dumping recyclables like plastics at the site. The landfill owner has assured the city the facility still has a remaining lifespan of three to four years.
