Strict Implementation of Sections 17 (H) and 32 of R.A. No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000)

October 27, 2009

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 168-09

 

In light of the devastation brought about by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng and in consideration of the potential risks or impacts of climate change, there is a need for utmost attention and cooperation among the national government agencies and local government units in formulating strategies to improve existing dump sites to reduce their adverse effects on human health, life and the environment. ACaTIc

Pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991, local government units are primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003, known as the Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, within their jurisdictions.

In this regard, all Local Chief Executives are directed to strictly comply with the mandate of the above-cited Act, especially on the establishment of solid waste and materials recovery facilities, to wit:

1. Solid Waste Facility (Section 17 (h), R.A. 9003)

• Closure of existing open dump sites.

• Development and operation of sanitary landfill sites as final disposal sites for solid, and, eventually, residual wastes of a municipality or city or a cluster of municipalities or cities.

 Pursuant to Section 44 of the Act, in relation to Section 33 of the Code, provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays, through appropriate ordinances, may consolidate, or coordinate their efforts, services, and resources for purposes of jointly addressing common solid waste management problems or establishing common waste disposal facilities.

2. Materials Recovery Facility (Section 32, R.A. 9003)

• Establishment of LGU Materials Recovery Facility in every barangay or cluster of barangays in a barangay-owned or leased land or in any suitable open space to be determined by the barangay through its Sanggunian. HaAIES

• Allocation of a certain parcel of land by the barangay or cluster of barangays for the MRF.

 The MRF includes a solid waste transfer station or sorting station, drop-off center, a composting facility, and a recycling facility. HEacAS

All DILG Regional Directors are directed to cause the immediate dissemination of this Memorandum Circular to all local governments within their regional assignments, and to use the Policy Audit Compliance Tracking System to monitor and to communicate findings to the Central Office.

For strict compliance.

 

(SGD.) RONALDO V. PUNOSecretary