MMDA eyes Las Piñas, Pasig to handle garbage

Two waste processing centers are being developed in Pasig City and Las Piñas to handle the garbage of Metro Manila for the short term.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Sr. said the two sites would be developed within one week after all the necessary permits have been obtained.

The Pasig City site will be located in a four hectare piece of property in the Manggahan area. Las Piñas, on the other hand will be utilizing a three hectare transfer station.

Abalos said the Manggahan depot will be used to compost biodegradable waste while the Las Piñas site, the non-biodegradables.

Both sites are owned by the MMDA and have been used in the past as dumpsites or transfer stations of their host municipality’s garbage.

The processing centers will use technologies and equipment developed locally.

Metodio Palaypay of Zero Waste Movement said among the products to be produced by the processing centers are green charcoal and building materials.

At least 300 people will be employed in each site, all of whom Abalos said, will be "professional workers."

Unlike the scavengers in the dumpsites and landfills of the past, the workers will wear protective clothing and masks. – Marvin Sy