On new trash collection schedule: DPS to seek help from ABC

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government's Department of Public Services is asking for help from the Association of Barangay Council for the strict implementation of the city's new garbage collection scheme.

This after the DPS observed that after the second week of implementing the new garbage collection schedule, there are still barangays that dispose of their waste at the Inayawan landfill before the set schedule.

These barangays are Barrio Luz, Pasil, Sawang, Suba and Apas.

DPS assistant chief John Paul Gelasque said he will write a letter to ABC president, Tisa barangay captain Phillip Zafra, as soon as possible.

Last October 16, the city government started the new garbage collection scheme, which starts from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Earlier, Barangay Barrio Luz captain Jerome Pagador said barangay loaders collect garbage before the time set by city government due to some concerns.

 One example, Pagador said, is that if they collect garbage along Archbishop Reyes during the time set by the government, it would already be difficult since traffic in the area is congested.

He also said it would not be safe for garbage truck drivers and loaders to go to the landfill late since the area has no light at night.

However, Gelasque said they have already installed lampposts at the landfill since the first day of the implementation of the new scheme.

Meanwhile, Pasil barangay chief Julius Guioguio denies that they have not been following the time schedule to collect garbage.

In fact, Guioguio was surprised that their barangay is included in the report since he claims that they have been observing the schedule.

Gelasque plans to assess the situation of the barangays and vows to meet them in order to address their concerns.

"So ang akong buhaton is to assess the problem and come up with situations that are favorable to both parties," he said.

The city government deploys more or less 80 Barangay Environmental Officers to monitor the main streets in the city.

The garbage collection was changed since the city government does not want to contribute to traffic congestion.

Prior to the new schedule, garbage collection in the city had three schedules: 4 a.m. to 12 noon, 5 p.m. to 12 midnight and the "task force" collection that was from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With the new scheme, biodegradable waste will be collected on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday while non-biodegradable waste and residual waste will be on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Collection on special waste will be announced since it will be handled separately by the Transporter and Treatment, Storage and Disposal (TSD) facility registered with EMB-7.

Biodegradable waste or organic waste includes leftover food, paper, and leaves while non-biodegradable waste includes plastics, glass, and metals, among others.

Special waste includes consumer electronics, busted lamps, and cellphones, among others. (FREEMAN)