THE SURGE in lanzones waste in Iloilo City is putting a spotlight on a broader challenge that urban centers are grappling with: effective waste management. There is a need for cities to adopt comprehensive and sustainable waste management strategies, particularly as they face increasing waste volumes and shrinking budgets.
The recent report that Iloilo City metro aides collected nearly one ton of lanzones waste in just a short span underscores a very important concern – the long-term sustainability of urban environments and the health of their populations. Organic waste, while biodegradable, poses significant challenges in high volumes, including attracting pests and contributing to unsanitary conditions that can exacerbate public health risks.
Iloilo City’s response, including enforcing stricter waste disposal guidelines and increasing garbage fees to cover the escalating costs of solid waste management, is a step in the right direction. However, these measures alone are not sufficient. The city collected P55.92 million in 2022 while spending over P365.65 million on solid waste management, revealing a substantial financial gap that is unsustainable in the long run. More innovative, cost-effective solutions must be explored.
A big component of these solutions is the segregation of waste at the source. Proper segregation facilitates recycling and composting, turning organic waste into valuable resources rather than letting it languish in landfills. Composting lanzones and other organic waste can significantly reduce the volume of waste that needs to be collected and managed, easing the financial burden on city services and reducing environmental impact.
Iloilo City could also explore partnerships with private firms or nonprofits to develop community-based recycling and composting programs. These programs not only help manage waste sustainably but also create jobs and foster a sense of community ownership over cleanliness and environmental stewardship.
And do not forget that educating the public is also a must. Informing residents and businesses about the importance of waste segregation and the impact of their waste on the city’s finances and their own health is essential. Public campaigns can increase awareness and participation in waste reduction strategies.
But most important of all: the city government must enforce regulations consistently. The appeal to lanzones dealers to dispose of their waste properly must be backed by concrete actions such as fines for non-compliance and rewards for exemplary behavior. This enforcement must be fair, transparent, and consistent to maintain public trust and compliance.
Sustainability in waste management can improve urban living conditions and achieve long-term economic and environmental health.
