To address waste segregation problem: Checkpoint vs illegal trash dumping

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) has put up a checkpoint in Barangay Inayawan leading to junk shops in the area to ensure that everything is pre-segregated for recycling and prevent unauthorized dumping activities.

The new CCENRO Head, Reymarr Hijara, told The FREEMAN that they started putting up the checkpoint last Tuesday, but they have already started issuing citations on establishments in the area since Saturday.

This came after CCENRO received a report about some foul smell that had reached the South Road Properties (SRP) area.

The city’s PIO reported that CCENRO already conducted an investigation to determine the source of the foul smell and imposed a fine against a recycling facility over some improperly-stored rotten food waste outside its building.

Hijara said the city government is establishing the “checkpoint to send a strong message about our commitment to responsible solid waste management.”

CCENRO also imposed fines against two other garbage disposal businesses operating in Inayawan for several environmental laws’ violations.

Hijara clarified that there is no transfer station allowed in the area anymore, but there are junk shops operating in Inayawan.

“The checkpoint will allow us to closely monitor waste loads and enforce guidelines to ensure that only pre-segregated recyclables reach the junk shops for proper recycling,” Hijara said.

Those that cannot be recycled should be disposed of properly within 24 hours, Hijara said.

“(Yesterday), we conducted IEC (information and education campaign) with CCENRO and the barangay for the establishments inside the area. Then wala pa lang ta nagpa-entry if dili ka-pasar sa balaod ila system,” Hijara said.

Ripple effect

He hopes it will have a ripple effect in reminding the Cebuanos and the rest of the city residents of the significance of waste segregation at source - in homes, businesses, institutions and public spaces.

“Proper segregation is the first critical step that will empower us to manage our waste in a circular manner, rather than dumping it irresponsibly,” Hijara stressed.

As the city government implements a checkpoint, local officials are also inviting everyone—organizations, communities and citizens to collaborate with them.

“Mayor Mike's direction is for us to be together – advocating for and adopting responsible solid waste practices. Sige gyud na sige pahinumdum nato to educate, engage and empower all stakeholders to uphold their civic duty through actions like proper waste segregation. Tinabangay lang gyud ta'ng tanan. Tap other stakeholders, Dong. Let them come in. Mao na iya pirmi sulti sa akoa,” Hijara said.

Other than non-segregated waste, the city will not also allow any uncovered vehicles with biodegradable wastes as well as those hazardous or special waste without proper accreditation while also prohibiting the entry of vehicles transporting recyclables without adequate storage at destination. –/GAN (FREEMAN)