DENR Guidebook for Safe Closure of Disposal Sites Now Out

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has just released the Guidebook for Safe Closure of Disposal Sites, a manual to ensure the safe closure and rehabilitation of disposal facilities in the country.

The Guidebook, published by the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) - Secretariat in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), highlights necessary systems for the safe closure of open dumpsites or controlled dump facilities and provides appropriate engineering measures on post closure management, as well as recommendations on post closure land use of all disposal types.

Republic Act No. (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act requires the closure of dumpsites or their conversion to controlled dumps within three years from its effectivity on February 16, 2001, and, the closure of controlled dumps three years after.

The proper closure of dumps and disposal facilities are essential to the protection of public health and the environment. Abandoned or improperly closed dumpsites pose a continuing environmental and health hazard for the communities where they are located.

The Guidebook for Safe Closure of Disposal Sites is available for free at the NSWMC - Secretariat Office at the 2nd Flr., HRD Building, DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. You may also contact the Secretariat at (632) 920-2252, 920-2279, 925-4796 / 925-4797 local 3.