Residents urged: Convert organic into compost

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office highly encourages residents to exclude organic waste during garbage collection and instead convert it into compost as the climate crisis escalates.

Globally, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food are wasted annually, contributing to 2.6 million tons of organic waste per day. It has been emphasized that organic waste significantly contributes to methane emissions.

Methane, often overlooked, is 82.5 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. This makes it the second largest component of greenhouse gases, responsible for 30% of global emissions.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) underscores the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Immediate and substantial reductions in methane emissions could significantly impact, reducing expected global warming by nearly 20% by 2045.

This issue is particularly urgent for Asia and the Pacific, according to the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, as more than 50% of municipal solid waste is organic.

Proven solutions exist in Asia but need to be scaled up.

 “Asia-Pacific has a unique opportunity to lead in organic waste management as a climate solution. By implementing decentralized management systems, and forward linking it with farming, we not only reduce methane emissions but also create enduring, community-based solutions that benefit both the environment and the economy.” Shibu Nair, GAIA Asia Pacific’s Regional Organics Campaigner said.

GAIA Asia Pacific is leading a campaign to mobilize local governments in the region, aiming for at least 70% recovery of organic waste from municipal waste streams by 2030.

The campaign has already secured commitments from 50 local governments, all dedicated to developing the necessary policies, infrastructure, and institutional mechanisms.

CCENRO’s chief, Reymar Hijara, mentioned that he is not quite sure if Cebu City has formally made such a commitment. However, he told The Freeman that the Cebu City Solid Waste Management Board is considering an ordinance to stop collecting organic waste from most households and establishments.

“Instead, they aim to promote composting and other recovery methods,” Hijara said.

Composting and organic waste management are crucial strategies for mitigating methane emissions.

“This aligns with efforts to reduce short-lived climate pollution emissions by diverting organic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise generate methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Inspired ni sa US states,” Hijara added.

While such resolution is still underway, CCENRO and the CCSWMB are encouraging all residents here to do composting.

“For now we highly encourage the constituency to not include their organic waste in the collection of garbage instead convert them into compost as practicable, “ Hijara said.

Hijara is also open to the idea of having a common area for composting in one’s sitio or barangay as space is becoming a problem in the city just like the materials recovery facility. – LPM (CEBU NEWS)