Mandaue City officials have ordered a temporary suspension of all garbage collection services as the city faces a mounting waste disposal crisis. This emergency measure was triggered by a major landslide at the Prime Waste Solutions Cebu Landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, which has severely disrupted operations.
Emergency Response and Search for Alternatives
The landslide, which occurred on Friday, January 9, 2026, prompted an immediate emergency meeting at 11 a.m. the same day. Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano convened officials from the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) to discuss urgent contingency plans.
Mayor Ouano emphasized that the disruption affects not just Mandaue but multiple local government units (LGUs) that depend on the same facility. "This is probably not just affecting Mandaue City but many local government units," Ouano stated, highlighting the regional impact of the incident.
The affected landfill is currently not accepting any waste, reportedly due to a cease and desist order issued following the landslide. This has forced officials to urgently seek alternative solutions.
Contingency Plans and Temporary Measures
City Administrator Gonzalo “Sally” Malig-on revealed that the city held a series of three critical meetings on January 9. These involved private garbage truck operators, waste service providers, and barangay captains to coordinate an immediate response.
One option under consideration is the Mandaue Green Landfill Project (MGLP). However, both Mayor Ouano and Administrator Malig-on stressed this is viewed strictly as a last resort and a temporary measure. "We prepared the MGLP as a last resort. There are at least three options being considered, and the MGLP is the final option," Malig-on explained.
Mayor Ouano confirmed he is coordinating with other local chief executives and Governor Pamela Baricuatro to find a unified solution for all affected areas. For Mandaue, the immediate focus is on identifying a site within the city for temporary waste storage, though the specific location was not disclosed to avoid releasing premature information.
Strict Segregation and Public Appeal
A key part of the city's immediate response is the strict enforcement of waste segregation at the source. Malig-on insisted that barangay captains must ensure biodegradable waste is separated from non-biodegradable waste.
"Strict segregation must be enforced. This has always been a policy of Mandaue City," he reiterated. The suspension of collection is intended to prevent garbage from accumulating on streets while a final disposal plan is solidified.
Discussions with MCENRO, barangay leaders, private collectors, and other LGUs are ongoing. The goal is to approve a final and sustainable waste disposal plan to resolve this pressing environmental and public health issue.
