CARGO containers with wastes seized by the Bureau of Customs in 2020. — BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

THE INCREASE in hazardous waste volumes in 2024 outstripped any improvements in the Philippines’ capacity to manage waste, according to government data.

Hazardous waste volumes rose 13% year on year to 269,552 tons in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said in a report.

Oil accounted for 33% of the total hazardous waste, followed by miscellaneous waste at 51.77 thousand tons and wastes with inorganic chemicals at 39.44 thousand tons.

Calabarzon accounted for 43% or 114,988 tons of the hazardous waste in 2024.

The PSA said the number of material recovery facilities totaled 12,855 in 2024, up 8.7% from 2023.

The number of sanitary landfills rose 14.7% to 343, it added.

However, the number of reported illegal dumpsites increased 84% to 79. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

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