Cebu City Government Awaits DENR Findings on Binaliw Landfill Collapse Amid Growing Waste Crisis
Nearly a month after a tragic trash slide at the Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. facility in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City, the local government remains in limbo, awaiting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' (DENR) investigation results. The incident, which occurred on January 8, 2026, resulted in 36 fatalities and severely damaged the waste management site, leaving the city grappling with an escalating solid waste problem without a clear resolution plan.
No Timeline for DENR Investigation Results
Mayor Nestor Archival revealed on Friday, February 6, 2026, that the DENR is still conducting its probe into the landfill collapse. While investigators have visited City Hall, they have not provided any deadline for when their findings will be released. Archival emphasized that he urged the team to expedite the process, but was informed that their only directive is to complete the investigation "as soon as possible," with no specific timeline given. This lack of urgency from the national agency has left city officials frustrated and uncertain about the next steps.
Waste Disposal Challenges Intensify
Councilor Dave Tumulak, who heads the city's disaster council, highlighted the dire situation caused by the delay. The Binaliw landfill remains closed indefinitely, and the city's emergency arrangement to dump trash at the Asian Energy landfill in Barangay Polog, Consolacion is set to expire in March. Tumulak expressed deep concern over the absence of clear feedback from both Prime Integrated Waste Solutions and the DENR, noting that there are no investigation results or concrete recommendations to guide the city's waste management strategy.
He warned that once the current agreement ends, the city could face a severe crisis, as alternative disposal methods, such as hauling garbage to distant locations like Aloguinsan, come with high costs and logistical issues. Tumulak listed increased fuel expenses, traffic congestion, and unpleasant odors as major problems, cautioning that if not addressed promptly, this could escalate into a public health disaster.
Political Hurdles in Waste Management
Tumulak also pointed out the political challenges hindering effective waste segregation enforcement at the barangay level. With barangay and youth council elections approaching in November, local officials may hesitate to impose strict penalties on residents for non-compliance, fearing electoral backlash. This political dynamic complicates efforts to promote recycling and proper waste disposal, further exacerbating the city's solid waste woes.
DENR's Sole Authority Over Landfill Reopening
Mayor Archival clarified that the decision to reopen the Binaliw landfill rests solely with the DENR, as it is the regulatory body overseeing such facilities. Without a definitive ruling from the national agency, Cebu City risks relying on temporary fixes rather than developing a sustainable, long-term solution to its waste management issues. Officials stress that continued delays could lead to environmental and health repercussions, urging for swift action to prevent further disasters.
