Taytay gov’t shuts down 13-hectare dump

The municipality of Taytay in Rizal province has started the gradual closure of a solid waste disposal facility in a lakeshore area in Barangay (village) Muzon.

The 13-hectare controlled dump has been at the receiving end of criticisms from environmentalists who blame it for contributing to pollution in Laguna de Bay.

Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula said that the local government had long wanted to shut down the facility although this was delayed because it took time for officials to get the clearance required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

As early as 2009, Gacula agreed to close down the waste disposal facility as recommended by environmental groups such as Greenpeace and EcoWaste Coalition.

“Closing down a solid waste disposal facility isn’t as simple as it looks. We have to observe the proper engineering approach to make sure toxic and hazardous elements at the trash dump will not compromise the ecological integrity of Laguna de Bae,” the mayor said.

While the dump is gradually being shut down, Gacula said the area would be off-limits for health reasons.

As soon as the dump is closed and declared safe, five out of the 13-hectare property will be turned over to the Rizal provincial government for the construction of a sports complex.

According to Gacula, another five hectares will be allotted for the construction of high-rise public school buildings while an ecological facility site will be built on the remaining three hectares of land.

The dump used to hold the trash from the municipality and other areas.

With its closure, the waste generated by Taytay residents will be disposed of in landfills located in the towns of Morong, San Mateo and Rodriguez.