Mandaue City Confronts Escalating Waste Disposal Crisis Amid Landfill Shutdown
The local government of Mandaue City is currently grappling with a critical daily waste disposal crisis, triggered by the temporary suspension of all operations at the Barangay Binaliw landfill. This urgent situation has compelled city officials to enact immediate short-term measures as they actively search for a long-term, sustainable resolution to the mounting garbage problem.
Rehabilitation Timeline and Ongoing Challenges
Araceli Barlam, the head of the Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO), has indicated that the city estimates a minimum of three months for the rehabilitation of the Barangay Binaliw landfill. However, she emphasized that this timeline is highly dependent on the speed and efficiency of the repair work being conducted at the site.
Barlam further clarified that the city cannot rely solely on this preliminary estimate. In response, authorities have initiated discussions with waste haulers to explore potential adjustments to existing contracts, ensuring flexibility in managing the crisis. She underscored the critical importance of proper waste segregation in effectively addressing this issue during the temporary operational halt.
According to Barlam, the situation would be significantly more manageable if residents and barangays strictly adhere to waste segregation guidelines. She issued a stern warning, noting that failure to comply could exacerbate the already dire problem, leading to further environmental and public health concerns.
Strict Collection Protocols and Regulatory Compliance
Barlam confirmed that all barangays have been mandated to enforce rigorous collection procedures for pre-segregated waste. She reminded residents that, under current regulations, garbage should only be placed outside for collection when the designated truck arrives and must not be left out prematurely before the scheduled pickup time.
This measure aims to prevent littering and maintain cleanliness in public spaces, which is crucial during this period of heightened waste management challenges.
Quantifying the Waste Generation Problem
Based on data provided by MCENRO, from January to December 2025, Mandaue City generated a total of 65,685.51 tons of waste. This translates to an average of 5,473.79 tons per month or approximately 210 tons of garbage daily.
Barlam highlighted that the primary challenge now is identifying alternative disposal sites for the daily output of at least 210 tons of waste while the Binaliw Landfill undergoes necessary repairs and rehabilitation.
Seeking Collaborative Solutions and Future Preparedness
To address this pressing issue, Barlam explained that the city is actively seeking potential partners capable of providing rapid and large-scale waste hauling and disposal services. She noted that Mandaue City is currently collaborating with existing partners who have the capacity to handle the volume of waste generated each day.
"We must continue to apply the lessons learned from the tragedy at the Barangay Binaliw landfill. To sustain our achievements, we need to explore various methods and solutions," Barlam stated, emphasizing the need for proactive and innovative approaches to waste management.
Call for Community Cooperation and Solidarity
City officials are persistently urging residents, barangay leaders, and waste collectors to cooperate fully, particularly in adhering to segregation practices and proper disposal protocols. This collective effort is deemed essential for mitigating the crisis and ensuring environmental sustainability in Mandaue City.
