The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a measure legalizing and regulating the use of waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies to address the country’s growing solid waste crisis.
House Bill 9157, or the proposed Waste-to-Energy Act, secured the lower chamber’s final nod with an overwhelming 255 affirmative votes, six negative votes, and three abstentions.
The proposed legislation encompasses all local government units (LGUs), national government agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), and private and public health and waste management facilities. Under the bill, WTE facilities will serve as a component of ecological solid waste management strategies, specifically targeting residual solid waste that remains after reduce, reuse, and recycle protocols have been exhausted.
To address environmental and health concerns, the bill strictly mandates that thermal combustion technologies and other treatment processes for municipal solid waste comply with prescribed operating standards.
Furthermore, facility operators will be required to install Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS) approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). These systems must continuously monitor, record, and publicly disclose emissions and air pollutant concentrations to ensure transparency and environmental compliance.
The measure also integrates disaster mitigation by mandating LGUs and government agencies involved in flood control to incorporate efficient waste management strategies. This directive aims to streamline waste collection, diversion, and disposal to prevent the clogging of drainage systems and inland waterways, ensuring the unimpeded flow of rainwater.
To attract development in the sector, the bill outlines the establishment of WTE facilities backed by a framework of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for registered investors and program hosts, alongside dedicated grants and incentives for participating LGUs.