The Philippines has made significant progress in solid waste management under the Marcos administration, with nearly 89 percent of local government units (LGUs) complying with mandated solid waste management (SWM) plans, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced Thursday.
Data from the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) showed that from July 2022 to June 2025, 328 LGUs had their 10-year SWM plans approved, while 41 others renewed theirs. This brings the total compliant LGUs to 1,416 out of 1,592 nationwide.
Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla said, “These plans serve as the foundation for maximizing resource recovery and reducing dependence on landfill disposal.” He added that the plans include strategies for efficient waste collection, equipment maintenance, and operation of solid waste management facilities.
“Proper implementation of these plans involves segregation at source, waste diversion, and the establishment of local disposal facilities to prevent pollution, especially marine litter,” Lotilla noted.
Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, mandates LGUs to develop 10-year SWM plans focusing on reuse, recycling, composting, and efficient waste management. LGUs are also required to conduct information campaigns, establish materials recovery facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills (SLFs), and collaborate with organizations to improve recycling and waste processing.
The DENR-EMB reported an increase in MRFs from 11,779 in 2022 to 12,864 in 2025, with barangays served rising from 17,636 to 19,464, covering 49.3 percent of all barangays nationwide. SLFs also grew from 287 facilities serving 567 LGUs to 343 facilities serving 748 LGUs, nearly half of all cities and municipalities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged local leaders to strengthen waste reduction and disposal efforts, warning that poor waste management contributes to flooding, health risks, and environmental damage. He announced plans to launch a waste-to-energy pilot project in Manila to address mounting garbage problems and urban flooding, with potential expansion to other urban areas if successful.
The President emphasized that garbage buildup hampers pumping stations during heavy rains, leading to urban flooding.