DENR targets closure of all open dumpsites by March 2021

As part of the intensified campaign to strictly implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) plans to close all open dumpsites in the country by March this year.

During the 20th anniversary celebration of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said that due to the strict implementation of the law the number of open dumpsites was down to 233 at the end of 2020 from 385 in 2017.

“We will ‘excellerate,’ meaning, we will excel and accelerate our efforts as regards the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act,” added DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda.

In a press conference following the event, Antiporda explained that the closures were achievable despite the short deadline, stressing that he would personally oversee the effort.

“Within one month kayang ipasara ‘yan,” Antiporda said.

The National Solid Waste Management Commission has filed cases against 55 erring local governments due to continued illegal operations of open dumpsites, according to the DENR.

Meanwhile, Antiporda said that LGUs would be encouraged to partner with private companies to operate sanitary landfills.

“We do know, there is a problem with the procurement process. It will take you a minimum of three months to purchase something... if you are using a backhoe and you need parts, you will wait for three months eh di sira na ‘yung sanitary landfill bago dumating ang parts na ‘yan,” he said.

“If they are not interested in PPPs (public-private partnerships), we are encouraging them to do cluster sanitary landfills,” he added.

The DENR official said a category 4 or cluster sanitary landfill is more ideal than having one in every LGU since such a type of sanitary landfill can accommodate the wastes of up to 10 municipalities.

According to the DENR, the number of sanitary landfills, which are for final waste disposal increased by 77.8% to 240 at the end of 2020 from 135 in 2017. — DVM, GMA News