Archival raises eyebrows at Binaliw landfill operator

Local

CEBU City Mayor Nestor Archival is questioning why the Binaliw sanitary landfill continues to receive garbage from private haulers while keeping its gates closed to waste collected by the city government, saying the operator should explain the differing treatment.

In his regular press conference on Monday, July 27, Archival said City Hall has yet to receive any notice allowing Cebu City's garbage trucks to resume dumping at the privately operated landfill despite his access request.

"I asked them if we could already dump our garbage there," the mayor said. "But they have not yet given us their proposal."

"What I don't understand is why they allow the private sector to dump there while the city cannot. They should explain that to me. They have a business permit to serve everyone, yet they don't want to accept the city's garbage," he added.

With Binaliw still off limits, Archival said the city is pressing ahead with a contingency plan that shifts garbage transfer operations away from the South Road Properties (SRP), where waste has been temporarily stockpiled over the past several weeks.

The transition, originally scheduled for July 25, was slightly moved to allow the city to complete documentation and coordinate with barangay officials, contractors, and the Department of Public Services (DPS).

Starting on the night of July 31, barangay garbage trucks will begin delivering collected waste to designated transfer points instead of bringing it to the SRP.

From there, private contractors will take over hauling the garbage to disposal facilities.

Archival said the overnight operation is expected to begin at around 11 p.m. and conclude by about 3 a.m.

He added that the DPS has already identified separate transfer areas for the north and south districts, while barangays that have consistently practiced waste segregation will continue bringing their segregated waste directly to the city's eco-stations.

According to the mayor, 10 barangays have already adopted the segregation system.

The city is also keeping another option on the table: a permanent transfer station.

Archival said the proposal, which was earlier recommended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), remains under study as officials assess its cost and feasibility.

One concept would use an elevated ramp that allows smaller barangay trucks to unload directly into larger hauling trucks, reducing the need to temporarily stockpile garbage.

Another option involves constructing an enclosed, concreted transfer facility with perimeter walls to better contain odor and waste.

The mayor said the proposal remains part of the city's

long-term waste management plan, noting that the original concept estimated a construction period of around 45 days.

While discussing the city's garbage situation, Archival also linked improper waste disposal to recurring flooding in parts of Cebu City, particularly in Barangay Santa Teresita in Tisa.

He said an inspection of the area's drainage system showed that a significant portion of an underground catch basin had become clogged with garbage, preventing floodwaters from draining efficiently during heavy rains.

"It's not only the government's responsibility to solve flooding. This is everyone's responsibility," Archival said.

He explained that even with flood mitigation infrastructure already in place, drainage systems lose much of their effectiveness when waterways are blocked by improperly discarded waste.

The mayor said he has also instructed the Department of Engineering and Public Works to inspect ongoing developments in upland areas following concerns from residents that recent construction may have contributed to increased runoff.

Even high-capacity pumping equipment, he added, cannot effectively reduce flooding if garbage continues to obstruct drainage channels.

Archival ended with another appeal for public cooperation, urging residents to properly dispose of their waste as the city continues working to improve both its solid waste management and flood control systems.(TGP)