A Mountain of Trash Turns Deadly
Imagine a mountain made of garbage, so tall that garbage trucks look like ants climbing it. That's what the Binaliw Landfill in Cebu City, Philippines, had become. On January 8, 2026, this mountain of trash collapsed, burying workers and causing a desperate rescue operation. As of January 10, 2026, the death toll has risen to six, with dozens still missing under the debris. The collapse has brought attention to the dangers of landfills and the importance of managing waste properly.
What Caused the Landfill to Collapse?
Several factors likely contributed to this disaster. One major cause was heavy rainfall. According to Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, garbage acts like a sponge, soaking up water and becoming unstable, especially when piled high. The landfill in Binaliw was taller than a 20-story building, making it extremely vulnerable.
In addition to rainfall, an earthquake and a typhoon in late 2025 may have weakened the landfill's foundation. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, a licensed engineer, believes that the combination of unstable ground conditions and excessive water accumulation led to the collapse.
Poor waste management practices also played a role. The sheer volume of garbage and inadequate drainage control contributed to the instability of the waste slopes. Some reports indicate that workers were excavating the mountain, removing soil and piling up garbage, which may have further compromised the terrain.
The Rescue Efforts
The collapse happened suddenly, without warning, trapping workers in offices, maintenance facilities, and a Material Recovery Facility. Rescue workers have been racing against time to find survivors in the rubble of twisted metal and garbage. The rescue operation involves hundreds of people, including firefighters, emergency responders, and volunteers.
However, the rescue efforts are challenging and dangerous. Rescuers have to be careful not to cause further collapse or ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill. Heavy equipment is limited to prevent sparks, and the instability of the terrain makes access difficult. Despite these challenges, rescuers have managed to provide oxygen to some of the trapped workers.
Cebu City's Garbage Crisis
The landfill's closure has created a garbage crisis for Cebu City, which generates about 600 tons of waste every day. The city government is urgently looking for alternative waste disposal sites. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has identified four possible locations. In the meantime, residents are being asked to segregate their waste and reduce the amount of trash they throw away.
Lessons Learned and the Path Forward
The Cebu City landfill collapse highlights the need for stricter regulations and better waste management practices. Landfills in areas with high rainfall need proper engineering controls, including stable slope design and effective drainage systems. Regular monitoring and safety assessments are also crucial to prevent future disasters.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has called for a comprehensive review of the province's waste management system. They urge businesses to improve waste practices, such as segregation, recycling, and waste reduction. The tragedy should also spark a broader discussion about urban planning, environmental safety, and public solid waste policies in the Philippines.
This disaster serves as a reminder that waste management is not just about getting rid of garbage; it's about protecting people and the environment. By learning from this tragedy and implementing better practices, we can prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.