By Xander Ledesma
Cebu City is set to revive its “no segregation, no collection” policy on January 1, 2025, targeting better waste management practices and compliance with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, city officials announced on Thursday.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia acknowledged eight barangays – Tinago, Tejero, San Roque, Carreta, Barrio Luz, Mabolo, Basak San Nicolas, and Basak Pardo – for their successful waste segregation efforts, which will serve as pilot areas for the city-wide policy rollout. “These barangays have shown exemplary commitment to solid waste segregation,” Garcia said, expressing optimism that the policy will reduce the volume of garbage sent to the landfill in Barangay Binaliw.
The initiative aims to limit the disposal of biodegradable waste in landfills by encouraging segregation at the household and barangay levels. Segregated waste management is expected to promote composting and recycling, supporting Cebu City’s broader goal of reducing environmental impact and improving urban sustainability.
Ma. Emma Ramas, who oversees the Solid Waste Management Board, highlighted the city’s pledge to provide resources and close monitoring to these barangays to ensure the policy’s success. Ramas said the board would offer full support to these communities to help them meet waste segregation standards, reiterating the administration’s commitment to making Cebu a model for sustainable urban waste management in the Philippines.
The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, enacted in 2000, requires cities and municipalities nationwide to adopt systematic waste management practices, including the segregation and recycling of waste materials. However, consistent implementation has remained a challenge across many regions, with Cebu City being among several urban centers that periodically renew efforts to enforce the policy.
As Cebu City reintroduces the “no segregation, no collection” mandate, officials hope it will inspire other localities to adopt similar policies, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility among residents and promoting long-term urban resilience.