CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival stated on Monday, May 4, 2026, that he has not received any official information regarding the resumption of operations by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS) at the Binaliw landfill. Despite reports that the facility is accepting trash from private companies, the mayor claimed the City has no confirmation.
Confusion Over Operations
During a press conference, Archival addressed questions about why the City Council was not informed about the landfill's activities. He explained that he cannot share information he does not have, dismissing reports that waste collection had officially resumed. "How can I inform the council when I myself do not know?" he asked. When told that PWS representatives reportedly confirmed accepting waste during a council session, the mayor suggested the company might be testing its systems, emphasizing that any activity must be checked and approved by regulatory agencies first.
Safety First for Cebu City
Safety remains the top priority for the City Government, especially after a trash slide on January 8 killed 36 people, leading to the landfill's shutdown. Archival is preparing an executive order to create a waste crisis task force and implement new safety rules. "We are not just dumping our garbage there without ensuring safety," he said. "What matters most is the life of every Cebuano, especially our drivers. Safety is truly the priority."
Challenges in the Neighborhoods
While the mayor noted that main roads are generally clean, he admitted that trash collection remains a struggle in local barangays. He pointed to possible issues with dump trucks and garbage collection schedules. He also appealed to the public to help keep the city clean, observing that many areas are cleaned in the morning but become messy again by the afternoon. "Public cooperation is necessary to sustain city hygiene," he added.
Strict Rules for Reopening
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) clarified that the landfill has not fully reopened. They have only allowed limited operations in a specific area called an interim cell, with strict environmental conditions. The DENR is closely monitoring the facility to ensure safe waste handling while rehabilitation continues. PWS manager Niño Abellana reportedly confirmed that they have started accepting waste from private businesses, but City Council members expressed concern over the lack of communication between the facility and city leaders. For now, the City remains cautious as it balances waste disposal needs with community safety.
