Residents in Carcar City are calling for an investigation into complaints involving garbage trucks hauling Cebu City’s waste to Aloguinsan, citing concerns over speeding vehicles and foul odors along major routes.
The appeal was raised by Carcar resident Ardiente Perez in an open letter addressed to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Aloguinsan Mayor Ig-Ig Moreno, and the local governments of Carcar and Aloguinsan.
Perez urged authorities to act on complaints, particularly from residents in Barangay Valencia, where trucks frequently pass through residential areas.
“It has been observed that some drivers allegedly operate these vehicles at excessive speeds, posing potential risks to motorists, pedestrians, and residents along the affected routes,” Perez wrote.
He also flagged concerns over unpleasant odors coming from some garbage trucks, saying these have caused discomfort among residents and may pose health and environmental risks if left unaddressed.
“Residents have expressed concerns regarding the unpleasant odor emanating from these garbage trucks, which has caused significant disturbance to the community and may potentially contribute to health and environmental issues if not properly addressed,” the letter stated.
Perez called on the concerned local government units to investigate the complaints and provide clear measures to address public safety and environmental concerns.
He also urged coordination between Cebu City, Carcar City, and the Municipality of Aloguinsan to ensure the safety and welfare of residents along the hauling route.
“In view of these concerns, we respectfully request the intervention of your good office… to investigate the matter and provide the public with an official statement or appropriate measures that may be undertaken to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of the residents of Carcar City,” he said.
The letter was posted on social media on Thursday.
The concerns come as Cebu City continues hauling its garbage to Aloguinsan under an emergency waste disposal arrangement following the shutdown of the Binaliw landfill.
The city was forced to secure alternative disposal sites after the Jan. 8 landfill incident in Barangay Binaliw, where a massive trash slide killed 36 workers and one rescuer.
Environmental regulators later ordered the closure of the landfill, leaving Cebu City without its primary disposal facility.
Part of the city’s waste was initially diverted to Consolacion before shifting operations to Aloguinsan, located about 60 kilometers away.
The long-distance hauling has increased disposal costs and the number of trucks passing through southern Cebu municipalities.
Garbage had also been temporarily stored at the South Road Properties (SRP), where large volumes accumulated while awaiting transport.
The storage site was later issued a cease-and-desist order by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources after being found operating as an unauthorized dumpsite.
City officials earlier reported that Cebu City is spending about P4.2 million daily for hauling and disposal in Aloguinsan, with costs reaching around P3,906 per ton—significantly higher than previous landfill expenses.
The city aims to clear remaining waste stockpiles at the SRP transfer site by the first week of July.
Long-term waste management options remain under study, including the possible reopening of the Binaliw landfill once deemed safe, and the development of a new waste processing facility in Barangay Mabolo.
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