MMDA bats for garbage incineration

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is pushing for the use of incinerators to ease flooding caused by garbage that clog waterways.

Burning garbage is banned by law.

“Garbage causes flooding and I think this can be solved through incineration. In Sweden, they have  had incineration since 1960. That is why there is no garbage, no flood,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said Monday.

Tolentino said what is needed is smoke-free incineration similar to what is being used in Europe, Japan and Sweden.

He said “smokeless” incineration does not pose health risks.

He added that in Japan, incinerators are placed in downtown districts.

According to the MMDA chief, some countries have opted to incinerate garbage to generate energy from the burning of trash.

Tolentino said that if it becomes successful in Metro Manila, garbage from nearby provinces like Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal could be accommodated by Metro Manila incinerators.

He said tons of garbage, especially plastic bags, get stuck in flood pumping stations because these are designed to pump out water. The use of incinerators would complement the operation of flood pumping stations, he said.

Tolentino said Metro Manila needs at least four garbage incinerators. An incinerator costs at least P7 billion to operate.

The Vice Mayors League of Metro Manila and the Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is composed of mayors in the metropolis, are supporting the proposal of the MMDA.

Tolentino said the MMC and vice mayors’ league have passed separate resolutions calling for the use of incinerators.

However, the use of garbage incineration is banned under the Clean Air Act.