Mayor Baste questions landfill closure as garbage collection delays hit Davao

Davao City Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte questioned the closure of the New Carmen Sanitary Landfill as garbage collection delays began affecting several areas in the city, raising concerns over waste buildup and possible sanitation problems.

The landfill’s operations were suspended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), prompting city officials to look for temporary measures to manage the city’s daily waste disposal.

In a statement released on June 4, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte said the closure has slowed garbage collection operations and could worsen if the suspension continues.

“Garbage collection operations are currently experiencing delays due to the closure of the New Carmen Sanitary Landfill as ordered by DENR,” Duterte said.

The mayor warned that prolonged disruptions in waste collection could increase the risk of sanitation and public health concerns in communities affected by the delays.

According to Duterte, the city generates around 750 tons of waste daily, making continuous landfill operations important for maintaining regular collection services.

To address the situation, the city government has identified additional collection points while awaiting further developments regarding the landfill’s status.

One of the proposed collection sites is located near the DENR Region XI office.Duterte also said residents living near the landfill have already been evacuated and that immediate safety concerns in the area have been addressed.

“We are complying with all requirements. We only hope that decisions affecting around 750 tons of waste daily and nearly two million Dabawenyos are guided not only by regulations, but also by practical realities and common sense,” Duterte said

.The DENR ordered the landfill’s closure over environmental and regulatory concerns. As of posting time, DENR Region XI has yet to issue a response to the mayor’s latest statement.