Mandaue City Councilor Carlo Fortuna Addresses Binaliw Landfill Reopening Concerns
CEBU. The City of Mandaue anticipates the possible resumption of operations at the Barangay Binaliw landfill in Cebu City before March 2026. This development follows assurances from the operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PWS), that it will adhere to the environmental requirements outlined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Environmental Compliance and Operator Commitments
According to Mandaue City Councilor Carlo Fortuna, the DENR has granted Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. a three-month period to comply with established standards. "Prime is the company managing the Binaliw landfill, and the focus of our discussion is their return to operation," Fortuna stated. He emphasized that the most critical issue currently is the disposal of leachate, which is essential to prevent environmental contamination.
"Although they already have a treatment facility, they mentioned it needs strengthening due to the volume of waste. They are avoiding groundwater pollution," the councilor explained. When questioned about the landfill's remaining lifespan, Fortuna noted that the operator has not provided a clear answer.
Operational Challenges and Future Directions
Fortuna reported that Prime has reduced the amount of waste dumped at the landfill and halted additional equipment to extend its usability. However, concerns persist because the landfill's Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is set to expire in 2025. Attention has also been drawn to improper waste accumulation methods, which have resulted in a large mound-like structure.
"The landfill design involves digging, disposing of waste, and covering it with soil. Creating a waste mountain is not the correct procedure," he clarified. Prime attributed this accumulation to the previous operator before they took over management, but Fortuna deemed this explanation insufficient.
Despite these issues, the landfill spans a significant area of 17 hectares. The current direction from the operator involves reducing waste volume through segregation or waste differentiation. For now, Mandaue officials are content with Prime's commitments but continue exploring alternative solutions.
