Local government units (LGUs) reliant on the Kalangitan sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac, expressed concerns about the potential closure of the waste facility, citing unmanageable disposal costs and economic setbacks if forced to relocate to alternative sites.
Gener Tanhueco, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) of Capas, highlighted that the town currently enjoys exemption from tipping fees as the host municipality. However, should the Kalangitan facility shut down, Capas would face an annual cost of P15 million to manage the 70 metric tons of waste it generates daily. Additionally, the town stands to lose P10 million in yearly revenue from its share in landfill operations.
The Kalangitan landfill, operated by Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC) since 2003, employs 330 regular workers, with 80% from Capas. While MCWMC has a lease agreement with Clark Development Corp. (CDC) until 2049, CDC and its parent agency, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), claim that MCWMC’s contract expired on October 5, sparking legal confusion.
Tanhueco also raised concerns about hazardous waste disposal. “Several companies in Capas treat hazardous materials due to our proximity to the landfill. If the closure happens, there’s no immediate alternative for handling hospital waste.”
Albert Tañedo, the officer-in-charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Tarlac City, echoed similar worries. Tarlac City, generating 150 to 160 metric tons of waste daily, spends P52 million annually on tipping fees and P82 million on handling costs. Should the landfill close, relocating to a dumpsite in Porac, Pampanga, 85 kilometers away, would double expenses.
Tañedo emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that LGUs operate on annual contracts. “We don’t have the budget to cover additional costs before our contract with MCWMC expires in December. Tarlac would become filthy without daily garbage collection.”
Bamban, Tarlac MENRO Michael Lugma shared comparable concerns, noting that their town generates 20 to 30 metric tons of waste daily and benefits from reduced tipping fees. “If we move to another site, our hauling costs could rise to P12 million,” Lugma said.
At the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, CENRO Gloria Doble added that the potential closure is alarming, as the landfill is the only accredited sanitary landfill in the country. “There would be a garbage crisis,” she said, adding that while Floridablanca has a landfill, it lacks the track record to handle government contracts. “Switching sites would strain our finances.”
With no clear resolution in sight, LGUs across Central Luzon are facing mounting concerns over waste management, calling for a swift solution to avoid a potential waste disposal crisis. (E.H. Edejer)
