Cebu City Grapples with Escalating Waste Crisis, Eyes Distant Landfill Solutions
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has announced that the local government is actively seeking alternative disposal sites, including the Aloguinsan landfill, as the metropolis confronts a severe and worsening garbage crisis. This move comes after neighboring towns, such as Minglanilla and Talisay City, refused to accept Cebu City's waste, citing valid environmental capacity concerns and responsibilities to their own residents.
Neighboring Refusals and the Search for Distant Options
During a recent multi-agency meeting, it was revealed that most landfills in adjacent areas are designed solely to serve their own communities. Mayor Archival emphasized that this is not a simple issue, noting that Cebu City generates between 500 to 700 tons of waste daily. He expressed understanding of the neighboring towns' decisions, stating that local leaders must consider the impact on their constituents before accepting external waste.
With the closure of the Binaliw landfill following a tragic incident on January 8 that claimed 37 lives, including a volunteer rescuer, the city's options have become severely limited. The Environmental Management Bureau has mandated the landfill's closure, permitting only cleanup and rehabilitation operations.
Financial Strain and Proposed Fund Realignment
As the city explores Aloguinsan as a potential destination, Mayor Archival acknowledged that hauling waste there would significantly increase transportation costs. To address this financial burden, he plans to inform the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council next week about his intention to realign P30 million from disaster funds to cover garbage hauling expenses during this ongoing crisis.
Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña had earlier warned that transporting waste to distant sites could cost the city between P500 million to P700 million annually, potentially draining funds from other essential services. Osmeña has called on the national government to reconsider incineration as a long-term solution to reduce reliance on expensive landfill hauling.
Push for Transfer Station and Long-Term Strategies
Mayor Archival also mentioned that the city continues to request the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to permit the construction of a transfer station within Cebu City. He explained that having a transfer station would help alleviate logistical challenges and reduce the cost of hauling waste to distant landfills.
Despite the financial difficulties, Archival stated that the city has no choice but to utilize all available means while searching for more sustainable and long-term waste management solutions. The administration remains committed to addressing this pressing environmental and public health issue through innovative and collaborative approaches.
