CEBU CITY – A materials recovery facility (MRF) in Barangay Binaliw here vowed to continue its transformation strategy with a strong focus on maximizing resource recovery.
Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. took over the facility in 2022 and has since then implemented significant improvements by enhancing operational efficiencies and positively impacting both the environment and local communities.
“The shift has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Mary Jane Montejo, chief executive officer of Agalon Garbage Hauler, which has been disposing waste at the facility since 2020.
Montejo said efficiency and productivity for waste diversion has been evident since PIWSI took over the facility.
“Because of this, lesser waste has been diverted to the landfill. Our company is looking forward to what new innovations and growth PIWSI will bring,” Montejo added.
PWSI uses equipment procured from Europe and Asia such as vibrating sieves, baler systems, magnetic separators, and an air density separator in processing up to 1,000 tons of received solid waste per day.
By focusing on resource recovery, the company aims to significantly limit landfilled waste to 20 percent or less. This approach leads to reduced organic waste ending up decomposing and producing harmful methane emissions.
Raquiel Montecillo, owner of Marquiel Trading and Hauling Services, said the transition from a landfill operation into an MRF had not hampered operations in any way, allowing the facility to operate 24/7.
“This showcased commendable integration of automated systems alongside existing processes. From improved throughput to enhanced quality control measures, it is evident that the additional waste processing equipment has greatly improved the waste diversion process as a whole,” she said.
Montecillo also cited the automated RFID system implemented by PIWSI, allowing efficient monitoring of dump trucks coming in and out of the facility, as well as the improved road network, allowing waste haulers better turnaround time for dispatch and scheduling.
“Overall, the changes initiated and completed by PIWSI have been beneficial not only to the company, but also to its customers and the environment as well,” she said.
In the January 2024 inauguration of the facility – the first of its kind in the Philippines – Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga lauded PIWSI for its vision.
“I need not tell you how groundbreaking this is because this is in fact the first in the country,” she said.
“It’s efforts like this that make our job possible…The first thing we need to do in this country is regard the solid waste management sector as an industry and for that, it needs to realize the efficiencies according to scale. Investments will not make sense without all the moving parts put on the table and that includes local governance, environmental management; that includes private investment with government and aligned with government in addressing these particular issues,” she said.