Cebu City has delayed resuming waste disposal at the Binaliw landfill despite receiving clearance from the Environmental Management Bureau 7, citing objections from unidentified groups and a pending technical working group review. Mayor Nestor Archival attributed the delay to groups questioning the reopening but did not name them.
Costly Hauling Operations
The City is currently spending approximately P2 million daily to haul garbage to Aloguinsan, a significantly higher cost than disposal at the Binaliw facility. Archival said the City held off on returning to the facility to allow a technical working group to complete its review of permits and documents. With the review now complete, the City is expediting the bidding process.
South Road Properties Cleanup
While hauling to Aloguinsan continues, the City is working to clear waste from the South Road Properties transfer site, which was ordered closed by the EMB 7 for operating without environmental permits. Archival expects to clear the site before July, ahead of the EMB 7’s cleanup deadline of up to three months.
Long-Term Waste Management
The EMB 7 partially lifted its cease and desist order against Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Cebu’s landfill on April 2, allowing waste disposal in an interim cell while rehabilitation continues following the Jan. 8 trash slide that killed 36 people. Archival said the City will comply with EMB 7’s directives and establish a long-term waste management system that meets environmental regulations.
