Baguio: The city government's continuing information and education drive on proper waste disposal is reaping gains as more residents are complying with the "segregate, reduce, re-use" policy. The City Environment and Parks Management Office - Waste Water and Hazardous Waste Management Division (CEPMO-WHWMD) reported that at least 913.3 kilograms of electronic waste (e-waste) were brought to the Bakakeng Central Treatment Storage and Disposal-Materials Recovery Facility (TSD-MRF) in January alone.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benjamin Magalong emphasized that proper waste management is a crucial contribution to environmental protection, benefiting future generations. He has mandated strict adherence to waste segregation, reduction, and recycling, including the proper disposal of hazardous and e-waste. This initiative is part of the 'pansa-nopen tayo' program, launched in January last year, which promotes a circular economy rooted in indigenous practices. The program aims to transform waste into resources, reduce plastic usage, and drive community sustainability, while fostering green jobs and minimizing landfill waste through food upcycling and enhanced recycling efforts.
The establishment of the Bakakeng Central materials recovery facility (MRF) in 2023 marked the beginning of receiving e-waste from residents. An information campaign was launched to educate residents and academic institutions on proper e-waste disposal. City chief information officer Aileen Refuerzo noted that e-waste collections were conducted in barangays, academic venues, and during the ecological waste management and sustainability fair held at Malcolm Square on January 25.
The initial collection from Holyghost extension amounted to 157 kg, followed by 87.8 kg from Bakakeng Central, 13.8 kg from Campo Filipino, 26.1 kg from Middle Quirino Hill, and 23 kg from Bayan Park. Additional collections included 89.3 kg from the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) booth; 92 kg from barangays St. Joseph, DPS, 58.4 kg from Bakakeng Central, 38.1 kg from Sto. Rosario 12.6 kg. The collected e-waste items comprised keyboards, laptops, vintage cassette stereos, and power banks.
The University of the Philippines (UP) Baguio community also contributed significantly, surrendering 150.7 kg of e-waste, while Barangay Andres Bonifacio collected 64.4 kg, Barangay Upper General Luna 27.6 kg, and Barangay Bakakeng Central 4 kg. A total of 1.335 metric tons of e-waste, including cathode ray tubes, LCD/LED screens, LED lights, lamps, and batteries, were transported by Globaltect Waste Management, an authorized treatment, storage, and disposal facility in Marilao, Bulacan.
Mayor Magalong praised the collaborative efforts of the city, academic institutions, and the community in supporting environmental protection and proper waste management, asserting that the City Government of Baguio continues to set high standards in these areas.
