ZAMBOANGA CITY (October 9) — A burst of color is painting a new picture of how Zamboanga handles its trash. Brightly lined up in public spaces, nine color-coded garbage bins are turning waste segregation from a chore into a daily statement: a cleaner city starts with you.
The city government on Tuesday launched the new waste segregation system through the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), marking a key step in Mayor Khymer Olaso’s campaign for a greener, more sustainable Zamboanga.
“It’s more than just a policy—it’s a call to action for every Zamboangueño to take responsibility for the waste they produce,” Olaso said.
The brightly labeled bins are designed to make segregation second nature. Acting OCENR Chief Gerry Pollisco showed how each bin works—for plastics, metals, paper, residual waste, healthcare waste, hazardous electronic waste, biodegradable materials, and used cooking oil.
City Hall will first implement the system in government offices, restaurants, and fast-food chains before rolling it out in all barangays.
“This is a shared responsibility,” Olaso stressed. “I am very strong in fighting against garbage. You have to educate the people; they have to segregate. Make sure your teams are working. Don’t waste taxpayers’ money.”
The program follows the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) Guidelines of the National Solid Waste Management Commission, aligning Zamboanga’s drive with national standards.
As the bins spread across the city, officials hope they will spark a culture of environmental mindfulness. One bin. One habit. One community at a time. Zamboanga is proving that real change can start with something as simple as where you throw your trash.
