The city government here broke ground for the construction of the PHP160-million Recovery and Recycling Complex and Ecopark in Barangay Felisa on Wednesday.

Located on a 33.13-hectare site adjacent to the city’s sanitary landfill, the pioneering project is seen to address the growing local waste management challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, who led the groundbreaking ceremony with Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya and other city officials, said the project will improve solid waste management, create opportunities for recycling, and provide a space that promotes environmental awareness and education.

“Our vision for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Bacolod is finally coming to life. Today, we take the first step toward making it a reality with the groundbreaking of the Recovery and Recycling Center and Ecopark,” he said in his message.

Phase 1, expected to be completed within a year, consists of three key components: construction and site development of the materials recovery facility (MRF); supply and installation of facilities and equipment; and implementation of electrical and lighting systems.

The facilities and equipment will include a conveyor belt sorting line, integrated waste solutions in MRF operations, baling of recyclables, tree trimming and yard waste disposal for recycling, and windrow composting.

“Once completed, this facility will serve as a model for sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility in the region, setting a new standard for efficient waste processing and circular economy initiatives,” the project profile stated.

It added “the project seeks to maximize the recovery of recyclable materials, reduce landfill waste, and ensure the proper processing and recycling of recovered resources.”

Ma. Fe Trespuentes, head of Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office, said that based on their waste analysis and characterization study, this highly-urbanized city generates an average 577 tons of garbage a day.

Of the total, about 400 tons of garbage enter the sanitary landfill on a daily basis, she said.

Edmond Maceda, the city’s special adviser for solid waste management and sustainability program, described the Recovery and Recycling Complex and Ecopark project as a “true game changer”.

“We are changing the game from collect and dump in Felisa to collect, divert, process, recover, reuse and recycle. It connects three things –environmental protection, social responsibility and economic prosperity,” he said. (PNA)