CeMAP’s solid waste management efforts, Philippines

The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines cited the effectiveness of partnership in co-processing waste following the success of its solid waste management project in Teresa, Rizal.

“Co-processing waste is a service that is offered by many of CeMAP members and the technology has effectively worked while keeping the same levels of quality of the cement produced,” said CeMAP president Ernesto Ordoñez.

“The waste materials included are primarily plastics and combustible residual wastes,” he added.

Teresa Mayor Rodel dela Cruz said many community leaders from other parts of the country visit the municipality to observe and study the successful and award-winning solid waste management practices of Teresa.

CeMAP members have been supporting the local government of Teresa in minimising residual waste from communities through public reminders on proper waste segregation and co-processing of certain types of solid waste in their cement manufacturing process, said Ordoñez.

“We support the avoidance of waste altogether. If waste cannot be avoided, and it is not possible to recycle the waste, the option for co-processing in cement manufacturing facilities is the best solution for certain types of waste. Our member companies have their respective programs on solid waste management,” said Ordoñez.

The partnership includes the government’s Environment Department and the National Solid Waste Commission, non-government organization Earth Day Network and the business sector through CeMAP. They sponsored and published a study of the Teresa solid waste management system that serves as a model of good practices for other local government units to follow.

Cemex Philippines, a CeMAP member, has teamed up with the provincial government of Rizal and Green Alternative Technologies Specialists Inc. to treat non-recyclable Lafarge Republic also provides posters, flyers and tarpaulins containing public reminders and instructions on how to properly segregate and dispose of waste.

Since 2008, Holcim has teamed up with the cities of Iloilo and Malolos for the co-processing of residual wastes from these LGUs. The Iloilo trial was conducted with assistance from the GTZ (now GIZ). Holcim has also partnered with Quezon City in a tire-disposal project way back in 2006. (Source: The Manila Standard).