A garbage truck driver was apprehended in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, on June 4 for allegedly collecting unsegregated waste in violation of the barangay’s “No Segregation, No Collection” policy.
Barangay officials said the operation was part of stepped-up enforcement of waste segregation rules amid continuing challenges in Cebu City’s garbage management system.
In a statement, the Barangay Mabolo Public Information Office said the driver was caught collecting mixed waste that did not comply with segregation requirements under Cebu City Ordinance No. 2031.
Barangay Captain Daniel Francis Arguedo said compliance must begin with those tasked to implement the policy on the ground.
“Ang pagsunod sa ordinansa kinahanglan magsugod sa mga empleyado ug public servants (Compliance with the ordinance must start with employees and public servants),” he said.
Arguedo said Barangay Mabolo has intensified enforcement of Ordinance No. 2031, which implements the city’s “No Segregation, No Collection” policy in line with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
The ordinance, enacted in 2004, directs garbage collectors to refuse unsegregated waste and requires households to separate garbage into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, recyclable, hazardous, special, and bulky waste categories.
Arguedo noted that despite the law being in place for decades, compliance remains inconsistent across the city.
He said the barangay is pushing to strengthen enforcement to encourage discipline and proper waste management practices among residents.
“Gipaningkamotan sa barangay nga mas palig-onon ang pagpatuman niini aron mapalambo ang disiplina ug responsableng pagdumala sa basura sa komunidad (The barangay is working to strengthen implementation to improve discipline and responsible waste management in the community),” he said.
Violators of Ordinance No. 2031 face penalties ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and imprisonment of one to six months, or both, depending on court discretion. Community service may also be imposed in some cases.
The apprehension comes as Cebu City continues to face waste disposal challenges following the closure of the Binaliw sanitary landfill earlier this year after a fatal trash slide that killed 36 people.
The closure forced the city government to divert waste to a private landfill in Aloguinsan, increasing hauling and disposal costs.
Citywide strict enforcement of penalties remains on hold as the local government continues its transition to a more stable waste management system.
Authorities have instead focused on a gradual rollout of segregation rules and information campaigns to improve public compliance.
Photo courtesy of Barangay Mabolo PIO
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