Isko launches 10-year waste reduction, segregation plan

A ten-year solid waste management plan was rolled out by Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso on Monday, February 16, focused on waste reduction and source segregation programs to address mounting garbage challenges in the capital.

The mayor, speaking during the flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall, emphasized that maintaining cleanliness remains a basic responsibility of the local government, regardless of where the waste originates.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Department of Environmental and Public Services (DEPS) and its field units, including the Estero Rangers and Manila Bay cleaning teams, who are tasked daily with collecting floating debris from waterways and coastal areas.

“Salamat sa Diyos. Hopefully, mapagtagumpayan natin together, all of us here in the City Government of Manila, ang maaliwalas at panatag na pamumuhay, that's the very least that we can give to our people,” the Mayor said.

“But then again, at the end of the day, whether it came from us or not, what matters most is that we as a City Government, we must do our job. We must fulfill our obligation to our people. Kasi wala namang pangalan ng address ang basura. Ang naiintindihan ng tao, may basura sa atin,” he added.

DEPS Director Kenneth Amurao said the updated plan centers on concrete programs designed to reduce overall waste generation and limit the volume sent to landfills.

“Yung ating updated or new 10-year solid waste management plan is naka-focus ngayon sa plans and programs natin for solid waste. Ang main goal natin is waste reduction through segregation from source, sa mga bahay o opisina pa lang natin, mga nabubulok at di nabubulok.”

Amurao said the city is strengthening waste diversion initiatives by expanding composting operations in city-operated materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and partnering with private companies to collect recyclables.

He also cited rising per capita waste generation as a pressing concern, noting that average daily waste output has nearly doubled from 0.6 kilograms to almost 1 kilogram per person.

“Instead of all garbage sa landfill, now may sariling composting small-scale sa mga MRF na city-operated. At the same time, may private partnership tayo with private companies. 'Yun ang nilalaman ng updated 10-year plan,” Amurao said.

The DEPS director added that the plan allows for updates every two years to adapt to emerging technologies and policy shifts, including the possible adoption of waste-to-energy systems in the near future.

“We have a chance to update again every two years. In the coming two years, we also have to consider ang waste-to-energy technology,” he said.

The rollout comes months after the permanent closure of the Navotas Sanitary Landfill in August 2025 forced Manila to divert its waste to the New San Mateo Sanitary Landfill in Rizal, increasing hauling distance and operational costs.

With the diversion to the new landfill, this also meant longer turnaround times and queuing from multiple local government units, which could slow garbage collection.