A landfill in Binaliw, Cebu City collapsed on January 8, 2026, triggering a landslide that killed four people and left 34 missing. Environmental groups have criticized the government's inconsistent enforcement of waste management laws. The incident echoes the 2000 Payatas tragedy.
On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City suffered a collapse, leading to a landslide triggered by rain-softened soil, the September 30 earthquake, and accumulated garbage. The slide struck a materials recovery facility housing about 100 workers from operator Prime Integrated Waste Solutions. By Saturday, January 10, four people had died, 34 remained missing, and 12 had been rescued.
Marian Ledesma of Greenpeace Philippines stated, “This shows a grim picture of our broken waste management system that has failed Filipinos and communities once again.” The event recalls the July 2000 Payatas dumpsite collapse in Quezon City, which killed over 200 residents.
The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003), enacted post-Payatas, aims to promote waste prevention through reduction and segregation, but enforcement has been inconsistent, Ledesma noted.
Joel Lee, executive director of the Movement for a Livable Cebu, remarked, “Twenty-five years after [Republic Act No. 9003’s] passage, progress is minimal. While local government units have produced the mandated 10-year solid waste management plans, too many remain just blueprints without action.” Since 2019, Cebu has shipped around 600 tons of mixed garbage to Binaliw monthly, costing at least P50 million in transport and disposal.
Barangay Binaliw residents have long reported issues like odors, flies, untreated leachate, and groundwater contamination from the site. The MLC called for an independent investigation into the cause, a crisis plan involving waste pickers and officials for waste diversion, and an audit of local plans emphasizing community participation.
Greenpeace urged full implementation of RA 9003, amendments to the Extended Producer Responsibility law for plastic reduction targets and reuse systems, and holding corporations accountable for packaging waste by mandating production cuts and shifts to refills.
Rescue efforts continue at the site, while Cebu City seeks temporary transfer stations as the landfill stays inoperable.
