In response to the catastrophic collapse of the Binaliw landfill and the anticipated surge in garbage during the Sinulog 2026 festivities, the Cebu City Government has decided to temporarily postpone the implementation of its strict "no segregation, no collection" policy. The policy was originally scheduled to take effect next month.
Mayor Announces Temporary Postponement
Mayor Nestor Archival made the announcement during an interview on the DyRF program Ayuman Files. He emphasized that the delay is only temporary and is intended to address the immediate logistical and humanitarian concerns arising from the landfill tragedy. The Binaliw landfill collapse occurred on January 8, 2026, resulting in six confirmed deaths, 31 individuals still missing, and 12 people rescued.
Despite the postponement, Mayor Archival stressed that the city government's determination to enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act remains firm. He warned that those who violate the law will face legal action once the policy is fully implemented.
Timeline Disrupted by Landfill Crisis
The city had initially set a clear timeline for the policy rollout. January 1 to 15 was allocated for a continued environmental awareness campaign, followed by a dry run from January 16 to 30. The full enforcement was planned to begin on February 1, 2026.
However, this schedule is now directly impacted by the ongoing situation at the Binaliw landfill. Mayor Archival indicated that the landfill's condition might affect operations until the middle or end of February. The city will use this interim period to strengthen garbage collection operations, which were disrupted by the landslide, and to prepare for the expected deluge of waste during the Sinulog celebration.
Policy Delay is an Adjustment, Not a Cancellation
Archival clarified that the postponement does not mean the policy is abandoned. He described it as a necessary adjustment due to unforeseen circumstances. The primary focus for now is on recovery efforts at the disaster site and ensuring basic sanitation services continue amidst the crisis and the upcoming major festival.
The "no segregation, no collection" rule is a cornerstone of the city's strategy to improve waste management at the source, reduce the volume of trash going to landfills, and promote greater environmental responsibility among households and businesses.
