CLARK FREEPORT— A total of 75 Clark locators participated in the 26th Recyclables and Hazardous Waste Collection Event (RHCWE) recently organized by the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).

       The bi-annual event which was held from December 14 to 16, 2021, was spearheaded by CDC’s Environmental Permits Division (EPD) in partnership with the Environmental Practitioners Association (EPA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)

       During the event, an estimated partial amount of Php850,000 was spent by Clark locators for the treatment of hazardous wastes alone.

       Treaters/transporters also offered low service fees to the locators as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.

       EPA President Engr. Rolando Sta. Cruz said that the 26th RHWCE “was successful in gathering veteran DENR EMB-accredited treaters and transporters”, who are also members of the EPA. 

       The EPA, its member companies, as well as Clark residents are also committed to protecting the environment through the best industry practices.

       Meanwhile, a total of 1059 pieces of batteries were collected which is expected to reach a total worth P100,000.

       CDC-EPD Manager Engr. Rogelio Magat opened the said event and shared the humble beginnings of the RHWCE which started way back in 2003 for recyclables or scrap materials such as papers, plastics, and cartons and used lead-acid batteries (ULAB). 

       According to Magat, it later expanded through the years, and in 2010, waste/used and busted lamps were also included to prevent the disposal of the toxic mercury into the environment. 

       For this year, health care wastes such as syringes used in COVID-19 vaccinations, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face masks and gloves used in healthcare facilities were also included in the collection, among others.

       CDC Health and Sanitation Manager Dr. Clemencita Dobles lauded CDC-EPD for the inclusion of the M501 or health care wastes.

       Aside from CDC, some of the locators who also donated their health care wastes are Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, Filinvest Mimosa Inc., SFA Semicon Philippines Corporation, Ace Global Technologies, The Medical City Clark, and Donggwang Clark Corporation.

       The RHWCE is CDC’s continuing commitment for the proper disposal of common toxic and hazardous wastes through DENR-EMB registered transporters for proper treatment.