Cebu City to reintroduce ‘no segregation, no collection' policy

Local

THE Cebu City Government is set to reintroduce its “no segregation, no collection” policy as part of a phased rollout aimed at improving waste management practices.

The policy will begin with eight pilot barangays: Tinago, Tejero, San Roque, Carreta, Barrio Luz, Mabolo, Basak San Nicolas, and Basak Pardo. These barangays will serve as the starting point for the implementation, with each given the flexibility to begin the policy at their own pace.

Ma. Emma Ramas, head of the city’s Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB), announced that representatives from the selected barangays will meet with city officials on Thursday, November 7, to discuss their strategies for enforcing the policy.

The meeting will also include officials from the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO), the City Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET), and the Department of Public Services (DPS).

Ramas emphasized the city’s commitment to providing support to ensure the policy's successful implementation. Monitoring of the barangays’ progress will continue until January 1, 2025, when the policy is set for full reimplementation across the city.

Tejero and Basak San Nicolas have already taken early steps to revive the policy.

Tejero has started separate collections for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, while Basak San Nicolas has formed a Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee and engaged stakeholders since last year.

Ramas commended Basak San Nicolas for actively involving the SWMB in meetings with community members even before being selected as a pilot area.

Ramas reminded barangay officials that failure to comply with the policy could result in legal consequences, including potential lawsuits from residents.

She urged non-pilot barangays to start preparing for the January 1 launch and cautioned them against complacency.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia previously announced the policy's reintroduction as part of the city’s strategy to reduce the volume of waste sent to a private landfill in Barangay Binaliw, with hopes of minimizing biodegradable waste.(MyTVCebu)