CLARK FREEPORT — In celebration of the World Earth Day, participants in the 17th Recyclables Collection Event (RCE) and Collection of Selected Hazardous Wastes here held on April 22 earned about P478,000 in the bi-annual collection event spearheaded by Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
The recycling event of CDC, in cooperation with the Environmental Permits Division, the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR Region III, and the Environmental Practitioners Association (EPA) was part of the celebration of Earth Day. It collected hazardous materials that that could pose as danger to the environment if not disposed of properly. The event is also in partnership with the Bantay Baterya Project of the ABS CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation.
Engr. Rogelio Magat, Manager of the Environmental Permits Division of CDC, said that the DENR-registered recyclers and treaters who participated in this event had various types of waste materials collected, quantity, and total sales are as follows:
The Oriental & Motolite Marketing Corporation and Evergreen Environmental Resources Inc. donated some 450 pieces of used lead acid batteries (ULAB) worth P239,375and bought 183 ULAB some 183 pieces worth P68,009.
Magat said in reports to CDC President-CEO Noel F. Manankil that Dolomatrix Philippines Inc. collected 9,513 pieces of busted lamps from various locators and residents in Clark which is worth P95,130 while Joechem Environmental Corporation collected some 10,935 kilograms of used oil, selected electronics items about 2,315 pieces with a combined worth of P59000.
Semirecycling Company, Inc. also collected other wastes electronic about 647 pieces worth P2,588 and recyclable items of about 2,358 pieces worth P13,051.
This bi-annual event aims to promote recycling and materials recovery as viable options to reduce the volume of residual wastes. It also aims to promote awareness among the various small and medium business establishments on proper management of hazardous wastes like busted lamps/bulbs, used oil, used lead acid batteries, and electronic wastes (white goods like refrigerators, air conditioners, television sets, microwave and consumer electronics like mobile phones, tablets, among others, Magat said.
“These common hazardous wastes when not properly managed pose significant health risks and can irreversibly pollute the environment especially the land, rivers and groundwater, “ Magat said said in his report to CDC president.
The RCE, which was started by the CDC and the EPA in 2003, was initially open to recyclables (or “kalakal”) like paper, cartons, PET bottles, aluminum cans and ULAB). However, through the years household hazardous wastes like busted lamps were included in 2010.
In 2013, used oil/used cooking oil and electronic wastes were included in compliance to the new DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2013-22 which made a new category for these common household wastes (M506 and M507). From an annual event the RCE is now held twice a year in Clark and at least once usually in June outside of Clark to encourage LGUs to organize similar events in their areas. Previous RCEs were also held in Angeles City, Tarlac City and the City of San Fernando with the assistance of the EPA.
Magat said the success of the RCE program is measured by the large number of busted lamps collected since 2010 (122,289 pieces), used oil (48,276 liters), and selected electronic wastes (28,860 kgs) that will no longer pose danger to the environment. More than 30 companies participated in the 1-day event.
In closing, CDC awarded Certificates of Recognition to all service providers and to the various donors of the Bantay Baterya Project led by Phoenix Semiconductor Philippines Corp. (P181,149), Quest Hotel (P41,302) Yokohama Tire Phils. Inc, Omni Aviation Corporation, Clark Water Corporation, Clark Airport Support Services, Clark Airport Support Services Corp., and H3 Technology Philippines Inc., Magat said.