Residents of Metro Manila who celebrated the New Year generated 29.16 tons or 6.63 truckloads of garbage, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.
“The personnel of the MMDA Metro Parkways Clearing Group (MPCG) conducted a cleanup in Metro Manila following the New Year celebrations. During their operation, they collected 1,332 garbage bags, which amounts to 6.63 truckloads,” the agency stated.
The MPCG conducts daily cleanup operations to maintain cleanliness on the streets of Metro Manila.
Environmental groups expressed disappointment, noting that Metro Manila residents welcomed the year 2025 with piles of mixed garbage scattered throughout the bustling metropolis.
They pointed out the unsightly and foul-smelling trash on the streets, sidewalks, parks, and market areas following the bright and boisterous countdown to 2025, along with the customary media noche feasts.
According to the MMDA, Metro Manila produces at least 9,000 tons of garbage every day, which account for nearly 25 percent of the country’s total daily waste production of 40,000 tons.
To address the garbage problem, which contributes to massive flooding in the National Capital Region, the agency is considering the use of waste-to-energy incinerators.
This proposal was first introduced during the tenure of MMDA chairman and current Senator Francis Tolentino. At that time, the Metro Manila Council, the governing and policy-making body of the agency, passed a resolution advocating for the implementation of waste-to-energy incinerators.
The council proposed the establishment of at least four incinerators to manage garbage across the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western regions of Metro Manila. The government is projected to spend at least P7 billion on each incinerator.
