Waste Segregation Policy: How the ‘No Segregation, No Collection’ can save millions in Cebu City funds

Implementing a strategic waste segregation policy at the barangay level could significantly cut Cebu City’s garbage collection costs and help the environment. According to Councilor Noel G. Wenceslao, the city has spent millions over the years on garbage collection, and a more stringent implementation of the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy could have saved funds.

City Council’s Waste Segregation Policy set to cut Garbage Collection costs and protect environmental funds

He emphasized the policy’s potential during a discussion on Pagtuki, Pagsusi, Pagsuta (Check, Verify, and Validate) aired on Sugboanon Channel on September 19.

Supplemental Budget (SB) No. 2 includes garbage collection and segregation concerns

The City Council recently approved a ₱384 million Supplemental Budget (SB) No. 2, with ₱145 million allocated for garbage collection in the last quarter of this year alone. Reflecting on this, Wenceslao, who chairs the budget and appropriation committee, stated that the proposed budget for garbage collection in 2024 was initially ₱450 million.

However, this amount was reduced to ₱300 million after a Council discussion advised implementing the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy to drive down costs.

Alternative funding solutions for waste segregation

Wenceslao mentioned that Councilor Nestor Archival Sr. had recommended reallocating ₱20 million from the garbage collection budget towards bolstering the city’s waste segregation efforts. However, Wenceslao suggested revisiting this proposal during next year’s deliberations for the 2025 annual budget, stressing the importance of adopting a more systematic approach to waste management.

Exclusive Insight on cost savings and environmental impact

If the waste segregation policy is enacted, the city could drastically reduce its tipping fees paid to the Binaliw landfill, which is operated by Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWS). The landfill, which services Cebu City and other local government units, has faced recent scrutiny. During a Solid Waste Management Board inspection, several deficiencies, including improper storage of waste, were identified, sparking concerns from residents in Barangay Binaliw.

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Wenceslao believes that, aside from financial savings, enforcing the policy would lessen the volume of waste sent to landfills, thereby decreasing environmental strain.

He remains hopeful that the “No Segregation, No Collection” policy will be effectively implemented by next year, leading to substantial budget cuts in the city’s waste management program and a cleaner Cebu City.

Source: Cebu City News¹