DENR Pushes At-Source Waste Segregation through Local Ordinances

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has urged local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances that will direct barangays to implement waste segregation at source.

DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGUs Concerns Benny D. Antiporda said cities and municipalities nationwide should focus on waste segregation at source for the effective collection and disposal of solid waste.

Antiporda echoed his call for efficient and effective handling of solid waste during a dialogue with Cavite’s provincial, city, and municipal environment officers, organized by environmental health group EcoWaste Coalition on March 3.

“Propose to your local council to create an ordinance that will act on those who do not practice segregation in their barangays,” Antiporda said.

“It is already stated in RA (Republic Act) 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000), but let us strengthen it with the help of your council,” he added.

Antiporda, who is also the alternate chair of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, recommended the creation of inter-barangay enforcement group or designation of “environmental marshals” in every barangay within a city/municipality to monitor solid waste management practices in neighboring barangays.

He also encouraged the Cavite LGU representatives to discuss with their respective local chief executives to allocate funds to address problems on the collection of biodegradable and residual waste.

“Kindly tell your mayors to allocate funds for biodegradable and residual wastes,” Antiporda said.

Data from the Provincial Government – Environment and Natural Resources Office of Cavite shows that 58.78 percent of the waste generated in the province are biodegradable, while 28.19 percent are residual wastes.

During the meeting, Antiporda also commended the Environment and Natural Resources Offices of Trece Martires City and municipality of General Mariano Alvarez (GMA) for implementing environmental and ecological projects and programs that effectively address city and municipal generated wastes.

He likewise reiterated the commitment of the DENR to provide technical and financial assistance to the LGUs on their solid waste management programs to ensure the effective implementation of solid waste management in the country.