Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival issued a stern warning on Tuesday: Residents who fail to follow the city’s waste segregation policy could face fines, community service, or even legal action.

“By February, the ordinance will have teeth,” the mayor said, adding that garbage collectors will no longer pick up unsorted trash.

Cebuanos are encouraged to take part in ongoing information drives running until 15 January 2026. From 16 to 31 January, warning citations will be issued to households that fail to comply. First-time offenders will be fined P500, while repeat violators who do not pay may face charges in court, where judges can impose community service.

“The city government will not hesitate to take proper action against violators,” Archival said. Barangay environmental officers, city enforcement teams and NGOs will be deputized to issue citations, while residents are urged to report violators through the city hotline.

The mayor stressed that Cebu City Hall itself must lead by example, requiring segregation bins in every office.

“This is not easy, but as mayor, I will do it. It might not succeed immediately, but we will continue until it does,” Archival said, expressing confidence that Cebuanos will cooperate after the Sinulog festivities.