Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed openness to adopting waste-to-energy (WTE) technology as a solution to the Philippines' escalating waste management issues. However, the department emphasizes that no technology will advance without proving its safety for the environment and public health.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a Radyo Pilipinas interview, DENR Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs, Enforcement, Human Resources, and Field Operations-Luzon, Norlito Eneran, concurred with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s assertion that the nation is grappling with a waste crisis. Eneran highlighted the absence of a dedicated law on WTE, thereby opening the door for technologies that could potentially reduce waste volume.

Eneran assured the public that the DENR would meticulously evaluate any proposed technologies to ensure they do not adversely impact the environment or human health. He stressed the importance of a careful assessment process before any machinery is approved.

In addressing the immediate waste management challenge, Eneran pointed out the substantial volume of garbage entering waterways, eventually reaching landfills. To combat this, the DENR has installed 196 trash traps across Metro Manila to capture floating waste and trace its origins. Additionally, 1,387 estero rangers have been deployed across 364 priority waterways in 448 barangays within Metro Manila to patrol and collect waste as part of ongoing cleanup operations.

The DENR aligns with the President's viewpoint that improving the waste collection and disposal system is crucial. Eneran highlighted the importance of an orderly system, which would aid citizens in disposing of their waste properly. The DENR continues to adhere to the waste management hierarchy of reduction, segregation, recycling, composting, recovery, and disposal.

Regarding WTE technology, Eneran explained that it is categorized into thermal combustion (burn) and non-combustion (non-burn) methods. While several proponents have approached the DENR about requirements for WTE projects involving burning waste, no burn-type WTE processes have been approved in the country to date.

Eneran mentioned that non-burn WTE methods, such as those using plasma and microwave technologies to convert waste into energy, have also been proposed but are yet to receive approval. The DENR's assessment will focus on ensuring that these technologies can reduce waste without introducing new environmental or health concerns.

The DENR urges households to prioritize waste reduction and proper segregation. Eneran called for increased participation from businesses and households, emphasizing that government cleanup efforts alone are insufficient to resolve the waste problem.