The Commission on Audit (COA) has warned local government units (LGUs) against the use of open dumpsites for waste disposal due to "significant safety, health, and life hazards they pose to the local population."
The COA cited the case of Aleosan town in Cotabato which is still using its open dumpsite despite the setting up of a sanitary landfill in the municipality.
In its 2023 audit report on Aleosan town, the COA said the use of an open dumpsite is contrary to the guidelines of Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which prohibits the use of open dumpsites for solid waste.
It said that RA 9003 also requires all LGUs to implement an effective and efficient solid waste management which includes a 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).
It explained that sanitary landfills are solid waste management facilities that utilize an engineered method of waste disposal, primarily for municipal solid waste. The landfills are designed to prevent pollution of groundwater or other environmental problems by isolating the waste from the environment until it is safe, it said.
In the case of Aleosan town, the COA said the municipal council passed Municipal Ordinance No. 11-58 on May 16, 2011, known as the Municipal Environment Code of the Municipality of Aleosan, Province of Cotabato. The ordinance stated that "a sanitary landfill shall be established by the municipality," it said.
But, it pointed out that the sanitary landfill in Aleosan town remained non-operational and the use of open dumpsites persisted.
Aleosan town officials told the CA that are currently developing a comprehensive plan for the closure of the existing dump site, which is a critical step towards sustainable waste management practices.
In its report, the COA recommended that the Aleosan town officials should collaborate with environmental experts for the safe closure of open dumps and the efficient operation of the landfill.
It also said the officials should ensure that the sanitary landfill is operational as soon as possible for the efficient and effective management of solid waste.