Environmental bureau in the Philippines is aiming to set up a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every community in the country.
In response to the mounting solid waste problem in the country, the Philippines Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) says that the setting up of an MRF in every barangay (the smallest administrative division in the Philippines) is at the top of its ‘must do’ list.
According to the EMB, this low cost, do-able approach to solid waste management is not only environment-friendly but makes sound economic sense.
In the proposed MRF’s, communities may establish waste segregation activities separating those materials that are for disposal, and also those that are re-usable for marketing or selling.
The EMB claims that this sorting strategy has proven to be effective in most communities that have already established MRFs, as they have maintained a clean environment, as well as initiating business opportunities for buying and selling re-usable and recyclable materials.
The proliferation of junk shops is a strong indicator as to the commercial viability of waste segregation, and at the same time encourages households to do their share in maintaining a clean environment.
The EMB says that it has been encouraging communities to open these facilities, especially in areas where space is limited. Aside from sorting, the MRF may also include a composting area for decaying materials.
A nationwide search was launched by the EMB a few years ago for barangays with the best eco-waste management to encourage more communities to maintain an environmental and eco-friendly facility.
