Producing way more than what humans can consume has been an “effective” way to burden the planet with piles of trash. If mismanaged or not recycled, these stay with us for several decades to dominate habitats, exacerbate climate change, and pose a risk to human health.

To help curb massive waste production, a mandatory waste segregation scheme is ongoing in Baguio from September 9 to December 31 following the pilot run of the city's waste reduction campaign.

The experimental waste-to-resource collection project requires residents of villages Irisan, Bakakeng Central, Guisad Surong, and Gibraltar to separate their recyclable and non-recyclable trash.

Residual waste, or non-compostable trash like sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and used rugs, will be picked up by the General Services Office Waste Management Division to bring to the city’s materials recovery facility (MRF).

“If this proves to be successful, then we can adopt the system in all barangays,” said Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong in a statement.

According to him, the project seeks to comply with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates that "segregation and collection of solid waste shall be conducted at the barangay level, specifically for biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes, provided that the collection of non-recyclable materials and special wastes shall be the responsibility of the municipality or the city."

Residents can sell recyclable items to their villages’ MRF or have them collected by the city’s partners at Zero Waste Baguio, an environmental organization that strives to achieve a trash-free society.

As we move a step toward proper waste segregation, addressing overconsumption should not be placed on the sidelines, which starts at an individual level. By being more mindful of our consumption—resisting the urge to make a purchase when not needed, we help solve directly the escalating waste dilemma and adopt a sustainable mindset that the Earth needs urgently.