3rd e-waste collection activity eyed in October; response/more e-wastes from residents expected
After two successful electronic waste collection events done in the city, a third e-waste collection activity is tentatively scheduled in October as Baguio residents clamor for more dropping venues.
This is according to the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Water and Hazardous Waste Materials Division (WHWMD) head Engr. Wilbur Suanding after an online meeting July 10 with officials of the Baguio Eco-waste Coalition, Environmental Management Bureau-Central Office (EMB-CO) and EMB-CAR, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and other concerned offices.
The first collection done in Nov. 2022 yielded 3 tons while the second collection in the last week of June had residents and office personnel bring 2.3 tons of household and office e-wastes to the Pacdal covered court.
A Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- accredited transporter, Integrated Recycling Industries Phil. Inc. brought the e-wastes to Calamba, Laguna for proper disposal.
CEPMO Asst. Head Engr. Marivic Empizo expressed gratitude to the barangays, offices and residents who disposed of their e-wastes as UNIDO reported that Baguio City has the highest quantity collected in the simultaneous e-waste collection event nationwide.
The EMB-CAR took charge of the first e-waste collection and for the second activity collaborated with UNIDO, the Local Government Unit (LGU) through CEPMO-WHWMD, the community, the academe, private partners and the Eco-waste coalition.
From the business end, Ellen Lao of TiongSan Bazaar lent steel containers and weighing scales for the e-waste collection activity.
In an interview, Suanding emphasized that e-wastes contain toxic materials such as Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) as flame retardants, Mercury (Hg), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) which could damage the aquifers and river water quality once not properly disposed of.
Toxic substances, hazardous and nuclear wastes and the proper disposal thereof is covered by the Toxic Substance and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990, or RA 6969, Suanding said.
Earlier, Mayor Benjamin Magalong pointed out that e-waste collection is a responsibility of everyone in the community, and moreover of the brand manufacturer.
CEPMO head Atty. Rhenan Diwas and CEPMO Asst. head Empizo expressed support for the third e-waste collection activity as it lessens soil and water pollution, and thus mitigate environmental damage.
An e-waste facility is also being planned to be established in Bakakeng, in consultation with CEPMO, EMB-CAR, UNIDO, Eco-waste Coalition and barangay officials. – JGF with reports from WHWMD-CEPMO
