BAGUIO CITY — Amid mounting waste disposal challenges following the sudden closure of its previous landfill partner, Baguio City is taking steps to secure a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative.
During its regular session on June 23, the Baguio City Council authorized Mayor Benjamin Magalong to enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with MAA Integrated Waste Solutions Corporation.
The agreement aims to expedite the hauling of the city’s waste from its temporary transfer station to MAA’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.
The move follows the unexpected shutdown of Metro Waste Solid Waste Management Corporation, which previously managed the Urdaneta Sanitary Landfill used by Baguio.
Metro Waste cited scheduled maintenance and safety inspections in a June 2 memo, describing the halt in operations as temporary.
To address the immediate waste buildup, the city entered into an emergency procurement agreement with Prime Waste Solutions in Porac, Pampanga.
However, the extended turnaround time for garbage trucks has led to further accumulation at the city’s transfer station.
General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan said that the new facility in Urdaneta, being geographically closer, will allow the city to transport three to four truckloads daily at a tipping fee of ₱550 per ton—₱100 cheaper than Metro Waste’s rate and equal to that of Prime Waste.
The city is expected to dispose of up to 200 tons of waste per day through the new MAA facility.
Any excess will continue to be hauled to Porac as a secondary option.
Buyucan added that if Metro Waste resumes operations, the city may revert to using its landfill due to its closer proximity and lower hauling costs.
Long-Term Solutions in Development
Beyond immediate fixes, Baguio is looking toward more sustainable waste management strategies.
Buyucan emphasized that barangays are responsible for managing biodegradable waste under national and local laws, but noted that land constraints have limited composting initiatives.
He urged barangays to explore alternatives such as vermiculture, bokashi composting, and black soldier fly technology, with support from the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office.
To reduce dependency on external facilities, the city is also developing a centralized MRF in Dontogan Barangay and is exploring the acquisition of a biodigester for biodegradable waste in Irisan.
In addition, Buyucan mentioned a new composting technology capable of converting food waste into usable compost within 24 hours.
As the city continues to confront immediate waste disposal challenges, it is also pursuing long-term, sustainable solutions.
These include strengthening barangay-level biowaste management, developing a centralized facility in Dontogan, and exploring new technologies such as biodigesters and rapid composting systems.
Through these efforts, the city aims to reduce its dependence on external landfills and move toward a more self-reliant and environmentally responsible waste management system.
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