Six groups ask public to sign incinerator ban petition

CEBU, Philippines - Environmental groups are currently gathering signatures online for the public to urge the Senate and the House of Representatives to bar the use of incinerators and waste-to-energy technologies in the country.

Aileen Lucero, Ecowaste Coalition national coordinator, said five other environmental groups have joined their strong opposition not just on the use of incinerators but as well as on the adoption of technologies that convert waste to power.

The five organizations are Cebu-based Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc., Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Health Care Without Harm and Mother Earth Foundation.

The groups intend to put pressure on both legislative Houses “to protect and advance the non-negotiable right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”

This, they said, is mandated under Republic Act 8749, or the Clean Air and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and under Republic Act 9003, or the Solid Waste Management Act.

The group’s “position paper” stated that even the most technologically-advanced incinerators still release numerous toxic pollutants such as but not limited to dioxins, furans and heavy metals, which cause cancer and respiratory diseases aside from contaminating the air, soil and water.

“It (Waste-to-energy facility) is not safe and is in fact dangerous to the health of the people and the environment,” the paper added.

The same document said waste-to-energy facilities actually contribute to the devastating impact of climate change and violate the law that requires the government to integrate climate change in all policies, programs and projects.

Incineration, the position paper stated, is the most expensive waste treatment option and at a cost of more than P6.5 billion to set up is actually a “waste of public funds.”

“These billions of pesos could fund thousands of materials recovery facilities, hire barangay eco-aides and collectors, and provide alternative livelihoods for the waste pickers,” the paper added.—(FREEMAN)