Capas waste facility temporarily closed, raising fears of garbage crisis

CAPAS, TARLAC – Lines of trucks carrying waste from local government units across Central and Northern Luzon have begun piling up outside the Kalangitan waste facility, following the halt of operations by Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM) as of yesterday.

In a statement, MCWM shared, “This is not what we wanted; the impact affects so many people. As we face an indefinite cessation of our services, we now await the court’s decision on our Motion for Reconsideration”.

MCWM further stated that it wishes to avoid any unnecessary conflict and the possibility of untoward incidents with CDC and BCDA, who have taken actions to forcibly takeover the property. In compliance, MCWM has paused operations pending resolution of ongoing legal cases.

The Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) granted by the Capas Regional Trial Court expired on October 24, leaving the Kalangitan facility, which serves over 150 LGUs in Central and Northern Luzon and many hospitals in Metro Manila, temporarily closed. The facility processes an average of 3,000 tons of waste daily, now unable to operate due to CDC’s assertion that MCWM’s contract has expired and that waste services must cease. MCWM disputes this claim.

While the Kalangitan landfill remains closed, CDC and BCDA have proposed that all municipal and other wastes be disposed of at alternative facilities besides MCWM’s engineered sanitary landfill in Kalangitan, the only such facility in the region.

“This situation is beyond our control. CDC has firmly stated our contract has ended, though we are exploring all legal avenues to be allowed to reopen,” the company said. MCWM maintains that the case is not yet concluded, noting that while the Angeles RTC dismissed the case, it is still subject to appeal, and the company have already filed such. 

“The case concerning our lease agreement remains live. We have a basic right to peacefully enjoy possession of this property. If CDC or BCDA uses force to kick us out, they are taking the law into their own hands. It does not matter whether there is a TRO or not.” MCWM pointed out that CDC and BCDA have not filed any formal eviction or unlawful detainer case against the company.

“We trust in our legal system and look forward to a lawful and peaceful resolution to this matter,” said the company, “and hope that our rights will be upheld so we can return to servicing our customers and the people in their communities”. #