DENR-EMB 11 orders permanent closure of old Davao City Landfill; Transitions Waste Operations to New Interim Cell
DAVAO CITY-Following the expiration of a temporary waste disposal extension, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 1I has officially ordered the permanent cessation of all dumping operations at the existing Davao City Sanitary Landfill in Barangay New Carmen, Tugbok District.
The local government unit (LGU) of Davao City has been formally directed to submit a draft Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan within thirty days.
To avert public health and environmental risks from city-wide garbage accumulation, waste disposal services are being seamlessly transitioned to an operational "interim cell" within the designated portion of the new Sanitary Landfill.
The permanent closure stems from a tragic trash-slide incident on May 20, 2026 in Barangay New Carmen facility, which resulted in two fatalities, one missing person, and two injuries. This prompted an immediate suspension order on May 21,2026, due to multiple violations of Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of20 0 0) and DENRAdministrative Order No.10 specifically violations of paragraphs 1, 3, and 11 of Section 5.2 and Section 2, Rule XIVOperations of Sanitary Landfills, IRR of Republic Act No. 9003.
The LGU was granted a temporary window for the resumption of garbage disposal operations until June 16, 2026. On June 17, 2026, DENR-EMB 11Regional Director EnP Alnulfo M. Alvarez and DENR Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan signed the final order, halting all further activities at the old site, except for critical mitigation and rehabilitation works.
Transition to the New Interim Cell
The new facility's interim cell is complete and structurally ready to receive waste as of yesterday, June 18,2026.
The old landfill will strictly undergo safe closure and rehabilitation.
DENR-EMB 11 will continue to monitor the Davao City LGU's compliance to ensure long-term public safety and environmental sustainability.
(DENR-EMB 11)