Volume of waste increases in Central Luzon

The amount of domestic waste being collected from households has been increasing in the past weeks as a result of the strict home quarantine implemented by authorities to prevent the spread the coronavirus.

Waste collection and disposal was identified by the the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as one of the essential services because the proper management of household waste becomes especially critical in times like the coronavirus crisis to further safeguard public health.

A study shows that each household produces at least half a kilo of garbage everyday or 15 kilos for every household in 30 days at least in Region 3 (Central Luzon).

Vicky Gaetos, Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC) executive vice president, said during the quarantine period, families are intact and staying home, resulting in more domestic waste, both biodegradable and non-degradable, contributing to the piling up of garbage in different towns and cities in the region.

In Capas, Tarlac, MCWMC’s engineered sanitary landfill maintains its operations, with more than 100 workers, drivers and helpers, and support staff continuing to provide hauling and disposal services as well as accepting garbage at the company’s disposal site.

“Garbage collectors and waste disposal site workers are also frontliners,” Gatos said. “They are on duty 24/7 to address the mounting domestic waste being disposed from different households across Central Luzon.”

Gaetos said critical workers at the sanitary landfill were asked to temporarily stay within the site premises to ensure that disposal of household waste from local government units and industrial clients would continue uninterrupted during the ongoing health crisis

The company has taken all the necessary precautions, including physical distancing and regular disinfections, to ensure the health and safety of its workers and clients, Gaetos said.

She said domestic waste if not disposed properly would expose residents to viruses and additional health risks, adding garbage must be collected as soon as possible to prevent illnesses in communities.

“MCWMC assures communities in Central Luzon of our continuing services amid the enhanced community quarantine, and this time of crisis. We are ready to haul your domestic wastes,” Gaetos said.

FREDERICK SILVERIO