Lack of discipline in waste management poses challenge in MMDA’s zero waste plan

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Tuesday that the lack of discipline among households and establishments in the practice of proper waste management poses as a challenge for a waste-free National Capital Region.

“Unang-una ang challenge po ay yung segregation, kailangan po talaga na magkaroon ng pagbabago sa kaisipan ng ating mga kababayan. Sabi ko nga po kanina, ang problema sa basura ay hindi kayang solusyunan ng pamahalaan lamang. Kailangan natin ng tulong ng private (sector) at lalong lalo ng ating mga kababayan,” said MMDA chairperson Romando Artes during the MMDA’s Road to Zero Waste Summit. 

(First of all, one of the challenges is segregation. The public should change their mindset about this. Just like what I’ve said earlier, our problem on waste cannot be solved only by the government. We also need the help of the private sector and especially of the public.) 

“Disiplina po talaga ang number one na kailangan para magkaroon po ng efficient na collection ng basura, efficient na segregation, at pag reuse ng mga basura as valuable resources para kaunti na lang talaga ang mapunta sa mga sanitary landfill,” he added. 

(People need discipline for us to have efficient waste collection and segregation, and with reusing of wastes into something valuable so we can lessen the volume that ends up in our sanitary landfills.) 

Data from the MMDA showed that approximately 11,000 kilograms of waste are generated every day.

But in 2025, the agency projects a total waste generation rate of 13,310,622 kg/day or 4,668,592 tons/year.

The objective of MMDA’s 10-year plan is a zero-waste region and this is set to start this year. The project encompasses a whole-of-nation movement, closing of waste stream loops in Metro Manila, integrating waste management systems of public and private sectors, and creating zero-waste management plan templates in communities, institutions, and industries.

“By gaining support and fostering collaboration across multiple sectors, we can transition towards a circular economy - minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency,” said Czarina Conte from the MMDA General Manager’s Office. 

“The whole-of-nation approach will not only extend the lifespan of our landfills but also enhance the quality of life in Metro Manila.”

By 2033, the MMDA aims to increase waste diversion points and solid waste treatment and recovery facilities; growth in number of participants and partnerships for the 10-year-program as well as an increase in waste diversion rate to 25%.

The MMDA added that it is looking for a barangay, public market, and a shopping mall as the pilot program that will implement the zero waste management plans. — BAP, GMA Integrated News