PWS Cebu Issues Statement on Binaliw Garbage Slide
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
CEBU CITY — Prime Waste Solution (PWS) Cebu expressed its condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the recent garbage slide at the Binaliw facility, releasing an official statement on January 14, 2026.
Company officials said the incident has had “a profound impact on the community,” and assured that their Emergency Response Team (ERT) was immediately activated. The ERT has been working closely with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), national response units, and private sector partners to carry out retrieval operations while ensuring the safety of responders.
Cause of Incident
Initial assessments by city officials and experts suggest the slide was triggered by a combination of seismic activity and extreme weather. The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30, 2025, along with subsequent aftershocks, weakened the area. Heavy rains from Typhoon Tino in November further destabilized the landfill cell.
PWS Cebu noted that routine inspections had shown no visible signs of weakening prior to the incident, such as cracks or irregular leachate outflows.
Response and Assistance
Operations at the Binaliw facility remain suspended as retrieval efforts continue. Officials emphasized that the incident is contained within the facility and has not affected surrounding communities.
The company has extended financial assistance, psychosocial support, and medical coverage to affected employees and their families. Funeral and burial costs have also been shouldered by PWS Cebu.
In addition, the firm pledged to implement critical site measures, including clearing debris from the Materials Recovery Facility building, rehabilitating the affected landfill cell, and capping and closing the impacted area. PWS Cebu is also complying with the cease-and-desist order issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Since acquiring the previously underdeveloped waste facility in 2023, PWS Cebu has invested in transforming it into an advanced materials recovery site, introducing improved systems for waste sorting, recycling, and effluent management. Officials stressed that employee safety has always been a priority, with health and safety measures that meet or exceed industry standards.
Despite the tragedy, PWS Cebu reaffirmed its long-term goal of addressing the growing demand for waste management by maximizing resource recovery and professionalizing industry practices.
“The unfortunate incident on January 8 does not diminish this commitment,” the statement concluded, “even as the company remains focused on recovery efforts and supporting the affected families and community.”
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