Bacolod Eyes Sustainability with Waste Management Hub

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The city government is advancing environmental sustainability with the groundbreaking of the Recovery and Recycling Complex and Ecopark in Barangay Felisa, in partnership with IPM Construction and Development Corp., on Wednesday.

Spanning a 33.13-hectare site adjacent to the city’s sanitary landfill, the facility aims to tackle Bacolod’s growing waste management challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.

The city initially invested PHP160 million for the first phase, which includes a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) designed to process recyclable materials such as plastics, biodegradables, glass, paper, and metal.

Phase 1 includes site development, MRF construction, installation of essential facilities and equipment, and implementation of electrical and lighting systems.

The MRF will feature a conveyor belt sorting line, integrated waste solutions, baling of recyclables, tree trimming and yard waste recycling, and windrow composting.

Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said the initiative will position Bacolod as an environmental powerhouse.

“This will once again put Bacolod on the map across the entire country as we embark on a pioneering effort, which we can now showcase to the nation,” he said.

Benitez explained that the MRF will allow for segregation, with recyclable materials such as bottles, metals, and tin cans to be collected by entrepreneurs who will buy them directly at the source.

He added that an incentivized system will be introduced to encourage proper waste segregation and disposal.

The entire complex, which will integrate various waste management components, is expected to cost more than PHP1 billion.

Benitez said the three phases of the project are expected to be completed within the year.

“I’m happy to note that this facility is getting a lot of attention, not just locally but internationally as well,” he said, adding that investors have already expressed interest.

The first confirmed investor is a black fly farm, which specializes in animal feed and fertilizer production, according to Benitez.

“We are also entertaining interest from other companies, and once everything is finalized, we’ll make an announcement,” he added.

Benitez noted that Bacolod’s waste consists of organic waste, plastics, and other materials, with organic waste making up 38%.

He said organic waste can be converted into animal feed or fertilizer, while refuse-derived fuel (RDF) can be produced and sold to sugar mills or cement factories.

The animal feed generated from organic waste can help sustain stray dogs and other animals, ensuring they live healthier lives while also receiving shelter.

For RDF production, Benitez said they are waiting for the heat index assessment before finalizing the product.

“This will allow us to create another recycling facility dedicated to producing RDF,” he said.

Once completed, the facility is expected to serve as a model for sustainable waste management in the region, setting a new standard for efficient waste processing and circular economy initiatives.

Benitez said he had seen similar facilities in Singapore, where they are also considered tourist attractions.

“These are the benefits I see, and we’ll be able to establish a modern and progressive system,” he said.