The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said waste-to-energy technology could help reduce the growing amount of garbage being sent to landfills in the Philippines.
DOST Supervising Science Research Specialist Patrick Montero said the agency is conducting research and development on waste-to-energy systems, which involve using waste as a resource to generate energy.
Montero explained that waste-to-energy should be part of a broader solid waste management strategy. He emphasized that existing practices such as reducing consumption, reusing materials, recycling, and composting should continue to be implemented.
He said residual waste that can no longer be reused, recycled, or composted could instead serve as feedstock for waste-to-energy technologies.
According to Montero, only waste that can no longer be utilized should ultimately be brought to landfills or controlled disposal facilities.
He also assured that the implementation of waste-to-energy projects would comply with the Philippine Clean Air Act to protect the environment and public health.
However, Montero noted that one of the major challenges is the high cost of constructing waste-to-energy facilities. He said building a power plant could cost between P100 million and P600 million per megawatt.
The issue has gained attention as the Philippines continues to struggle with waste management. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier described the country’s garbage problem as “critical” after large amounts of trash accumulated in parts of Manila Bay and nearby waterways following heavy rains.
Marcos has called for the establishment of waste-to-energy plants across the country. However, environmental groups have raised concerns over the proposal.
Greenpeace Philippines has opposed the facilities, calling them a “dangerous, costly misstep” and arguing that waste-to-energy plants would not address the problem of plastics entering and polluting waterways.
