Latest MMDA problem: How to sell compost?

Sometimes good intentions are not enough.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benjamin Abalos, Sr.’s plan to reduce the volume of garbage by composting has taken a strange turn and worked to his disadvantage.

Though the volume of garbage has decreased significantly with composting, the MMDA is now faced with a potential problem in the disposal of its end product.

Abalos said yesterday that the different subdivisions that have been successful in the campaign to process waste into compost are threatening to stop their efforts if the MMDA fails to find buyers of the end product.

Subdivisions such as Blue Ridge and Philam Homes told Abalos that truckloads of compost have accumulated in their backyards because none of it is being sold.

Several months back, the MMDA encouraged the residential areas of Metro Manila to process garbage and decrease the overall volume.

The MMDA also assured participants that it would be profitable for them as there is a constant demand for compost as fertilizer.

However, Abalos pointed out that the subdivisions are now having a hard time selling their products.

Abalos added that even though the subdivisions have agreed to sell the product at a very low price just to cover for costs, there is still a lack of interest from the market.

The MMDA has offered the compost materials to the province of Pampanga for the rehabilitation of lahar-stricken areas but according to Abalos, the provincial government wants it for free.

Abalos admitted that the volume of compost produced by the subdivisions could become a problem as well as the threat to stop its production.

"Sayang naman ang effort natin to encourage the households to process garbage," Abalos said.

The MMDA chairman has made a call to parks and golf courses as well as ornamental plant distributors to consider using the compost in place of the fertilizers they commonly use.