New garbage scheme mulled

“After conducting pre-test on a survey instrument and a successful roll-out, it turns out that many residents want to help the city government in improving garbage collection and disposition including their high willingness to pay”, according to Mayor Benjamin Magalong during the media forum, Dec. 16, at City Hall.  

He said the amount that those surveyed are willing to pay is P10 per 10 kilos of garbage and an additional P5 of every kilo above 10 kilos.

The scheme just has to be discussed with barangay officials on who will weigh and collect the garbage in their respective areas since a percentage of the collected fees will go to the barangays, the Mayor said.

He explained that the plan will eventually teach people to segregate and even recycle their garbage because unsegregated garbage is heavier and therefore more expensive.

“When people realize that they are paying more for their garbage, they start learning to segregate,” he said.

The Mayor said he is currently talking with city council members regarding the proposed garbage scheme being crafted into an ordinance.    

He stressed that the scheme is brought about by a study using empirical data including a survey on the people’s willingness to pay.

The Mayor added that while almost 80 percent of those surveyed are willing to pay, the rest are amenable to do one to three hours of community service instead. – Gaby B. Keith