Fewer trash, but more plastics during cleanup

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government had hauled a bit fewer garbage compared to the same period in last year's citywide cleanup drive, although it collected more plastics for recycling, which is a new approach in the campaign.

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources’ Office (CCENRO) Officer-in-charge Reymar Hijarra said that collection during the latest clean-up is 87 tons, which is lower during the second quarter cleanup last year, when 92 tons were collected.

However, a more notable output this time is the collection of 70 sacks of segregated plastics from the northern barangays and another 70 from the south district although it was only from Brgy. Ermita.

Hijara happily shared that the participants and the barangays have responded positively to their call to “Segregate to Regenerate: Transforming Cebu City, One Cleanup at a Time!

“Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, organizers, and leaders for making our community cleaner, greener, and more beautiful. Together, we are driving positive change!” he said.

“This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it makes a successful implementation of our segregation strategy,” he added.

“This is setting a new standard in our future clean-ups and hopefully sa atong tagsatagsa ka panimalay nga atong i-segregate ning mga plastic,” he further said.

He said this is also not just tidying up the city but also targets a behavioral change in the people.

“Kini nga pagpanglimpyo labaw pa sa pagtangtang sa basura sa atong palibot, kini mahitungod sa pagbag-o sa panghuna-huna sa atong isigka-Sugbuanon…fostering community spirit and taking concrete steps towards a more sustainable measure,” Hijara said.

“By segregating waste, we’re are not just cleaning up, we are setting the stage for regeneration and circular economy practices. As we move forward, let’s carry this momentum with us,” he added.

The 87 tons of mixed waste collected were delivered to the Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Incorporated (PWS) facility in Barangay Binaliw.

“For now, economic-wise, wala nay ma-recycle namo ato (87 tons)…. Usually not worth it sa mga recyclers if contaminated na ang recyclables…meaning, hugaw. But naa may process nga ang landfill nato karon gud kay naa na man silay gisugdan og MRF (material recovery facility),” Hijara said.

PWS has the technology for the shredding of solid waste materials for other uses, while a technology for a waste-to-energy facility is also expected to be introduced soon. (CEBU NEWS)