Four cities of this Southeast Asian country have already achieved the incredible status of being waste-free. They have adopted the zero-waste model, which is not only cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, but also creates jobs for the informal waste collectors.
The governments have introduced ordinances which ensure strict adherence to the zero-waste model. Now, most of the waste in these cities is safely and economically recycled, reused, composted or turned into biogas through anaerobic digestion. So how did the four cities achieve success?
FORT BONIFACIO, TAGUIG
The cleanest in Manila Just about a decade ago, Fort Bonifacio was infamous for being the dumping ground of its neighbouring cities. With a population of 12,000, the city itself was producing 0.32 kg per capita per day of waste. Managing it was a challenge for civic authorities ​who had limited resources. Today, 95 per cent of the city’s households segregate their waste. Civic authorities collect and dispose it responsibly. The city is now the cleanest in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
This story is from the December 01, 2019 edition of Down To Earth.
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This story is from the December 01, 2019 edition of Down To Earth.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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