Metro faced with endless garbage woes

Metro Manila will always be faced with the possibility of a garbage crisis unless the people start to accept their waste as something that is not dangerous.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando admitted that there is a major solid waste management problem facing the metropolis because there is no available disposal area.

Fernando pointed out that there is a need to come up with regulations that would allow the government to dictate where a disposal facility would be located.

"We need some regulations so that the not in my backyard syndrome (NIMBY) will not prevail. The government should tell us where the garbage should be," Fernando said.

The MMDA is tasked in looking for a disposal area for Metro Manila as provided for under its mandate.

Since the San Mateo, Rizal and Carmona, Cavite sanitary landfills closed down several years ago, the MMDA has been looking for a long-term disposal site for the more than 6,000 tons of garbage generated daily.

Fernando is presently waiting for the response of local government officials and residents of Candelaria and Tiaong in Quezon on his proposal to develop a solid waste management facility in their area. He admitted that the MMDA is already running behind schedule in securing a disposal area but he remains optimistic that a deal would be secured before the end of the Arroyo administration.

In case the plan to develop a landfill in Quezon fails to push through, Fernando said he still has a number of options to fall back on. He said the MMDA would look at options in Northern Luzon as the rehabilitation of the railway system is already being undertaken.

The MMDA is pushing for the use of trains in transporting garbage to the potential landfill areas in either north or south Luzon.

"We can’t rely on one option only," said Fernando as he accepted the possibility that he might not be able to secure the Quezon option.