The Quezon City (QC) government will proceed with the development of an integrated waste-to-energy facility as one bold step to address the city’s garbage problem.

The go-signal came after the 38-member City Council gave Mayor Herbert Bautista the authority to forge a joint venture agreement with the private sector for the development of the city’s own waste-to-energy plant.

With the impending closure of the landfill facility in Payatas in three years, Bautista said the project is vital in the city’s effort to avert a possible crisis in waste management.

Quezon City generates about 2,000 to 3,000 tons of garbage daily.

As provided under a resolution approved by the City Council, the city government shall ensure that the project configuration of the proposed WTE facility is compliant with the required laws and regulations including but not limited to: the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000; Clean Air Act; Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Act; Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and guidelines governing the establishment and operation of waste-to-energy technologies for municipal solid wastes.        

To date, the Mayor has already convened the city’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) Selection Committee which has been tasked to oversee the pre-selection and selection of private sector proponents for PPP projects with solid waste management as one of the areas identified by the committee and as one of the projects that will be pursued by the city through PPP.   

The Mayor said the city government is expecting to generate 30 to 35 megawatts of power from the city’s new energy source.

Savings that can be derived from the sale of power or electricity will be used by the city government to fund the construction of additional school buildings, health centers, hospitals and multi-purpose halls, the Mayor added.

Bautista also expects a reduction in the electrical consumption of city government-owned facilities and properties with the development of the city’s new energy source.

The city government spent P1 billion annually for solid waste management which includes hauling services, post-closure care and maintenance of the Payatas controlled disposal facility,  special operations and toxic/hazardous waste collection, treatment and disposal.  (PAISO QC/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)