Inter-city waste crisis forces temporary dumping deal after Binaliw landfill collapse

The collapse of the Binaliw landfill has triggered a waste management crisis affecting Cebu City and neighboring local government units, prompting emergency measures, inter-city negotiations, and a temporary agreement allowing limited garbage dumping in Consolacion.

Garbage trucks from the Cebu City Government were blocked from entering the Asian Energy landfill in Barangay Polog, Consolacion, on Sunday, January 11, and Monday, January 12, 2026.

Barangay officials, led by Councilor Allan Balaba, stopped the vehicles after passing an emergency resolution opposing their entry, citing the lack of prior coordination with local authorities.

The incident occurred as Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu-Lapu City sought alternative disposal sites following the closure of the Binaliw landfill.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had earlier issued a cease and desist order against Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc., the operator of the Binaliw facility, after a trash slide buried structures at the site and caused fatalities.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau said the Binaliw collapse was caused by waste oversaturation aggravated by prolonged rainfall and geotechnical limitations.

The landfill, located on mountainous terrain with steep slopes, had accumulated waste reaching up to 35 meters high. The collapse damaged leachate pipes and wastewater treatment facilities, leading authorities to declare the area a danger zone and order its closure.

With the shutdown of Binaliw, local government units including Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Consolacion, and Cordova were forced to simultaneously seek alternative dumping sites, creating congestion and raising safety concerns in host communities.

Barangay officials in Polog said residents were alarmed by the sudden arrival of garbage trucks from outside Consolacion. Barangay Councilor Lurimarc Alin said the lack of prior notice caused anxiety among residents.

“The lack of communication alarmed residents, who began calling the barangay office to ask why trucks from outside Consolacion were already entering the area,” Alin said.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano announced the temporary use of the Mandani Learning Park in Barangay Umapad as a transfer station, where garbage will be sorted and compacted before being hauled to a final disposal site.

“This is not a normal situation. There may be instances when garbage is not collected immediately because of what is happening now,” Ouano said.

He said the transfer station would be used for about two weeks only, noting that potential landfill sites in Bogo City and Aloguinsan were too far for the city’s aging garbage trucks.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan is seeking approval from the Environmental Management Bureau to reopen a transfer station in Soong, Barangay Mactan.

Councilor Rufo Bering said the city produces more than 25 tons of garbage daily, making the facility critical for temporary waste management.

A temporary agreement was later reached after Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival met with Consolacion Mayor Teresita Alegado.

Barangay Polog officials agreed to allow Cebu City to dump garbage at the Asian Energy site for a maximum of 30 days, subject to several conditions.

These include rerouting garbage truck exits, enforcing speed limits, applying chemicals to control odor, and installing washing facilities to clean trucks before they leave the site.

Barangay officials said the measures aim to prevent environmental and safety risks similar to those that led to the Binaliw collapse.

The 30-day arrangement is considered a stopgap measure as city officials seek longer-term solutions. DENR clearance is required for the continued use of alternative disposal sites, while the rehabilitation and compliance process for the Binaliw landfill is expected to take several months.

A public hearing is scheduled in Barangay Polog on Thursday, January 15, where residents are expected to raise concerns over safety and long-term waste disposal plans.

Meanwhile, DENR technical evaluations will determine whether the Binaliw landfill can resume operations or if Metro Cebu will need to adopt a permanent restructuring of its waste management system.