Sablan: The municipality of Sablan in Benguet province has initiated an intensified effort to enhance its waste management program, aiming to prevent future complications.

According to Philippines News Agency, Sablan Mayor Alfredo Dacumos emphasized the importance of addressing waste management proactively. In a phone interview, he noted that as the population grows, so does the volume of garbage. The town is focused on disposing of waste that can be managed in the engineered sanitary landfill (ESL) in the lowland, while managing biodegradable waste locally.

The municipality recently conducted a Waste Assessment and Classification System (WACS) to educate residents on proper segregation, waste management, recycling, and composting. Mayor Dacumos highlighted that although the current garbage generation is minimal, it is crucial to act before the situation worsens. The goal is to reduce waste volume significantly.

The WACS initiative also serves as an environmental protection and preservation effort. Residual wastes are transported to the ESL in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, twice a year. The town aims to decrease the frequency of garbage transportation by managing reusable, repurposable, and recyclable items.

Residents are encouraged to manage biodegradable waste at its source, turning it into compost for backyard use and vegetable gardens, aligning with the farming activities of most residents. Additionally, bottles and plastics are collected and converted into bricks at the municipality's eco-farm for beautification and sold to residents for gardening purposes.

Plastics and packaging materials are repurposed into bags, providing a livelihood for residents. Mayor Dacumos remarked on the financial potential of waste, noting that recycling can create income-generating products, which is why residents are taught to recycle effectively.