The Kalangitan landfill in Capas, Tarlac is now closed. For many, this was seen as a big problem. Where will all the garbage go?
Thankfully, three new sites have stepped up. All of them are in Pampanga. These are EcoProtect Management Corporation (EPMC) and Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS) in Porac, and Floridablanca Enviro Corporation in Floridablanca.
I’ve said this before: the end of Kalangitan is not the end of our waste solution. Trash must go somewhere. And while people may say “not in my backyard,” some backyard must take it. As long as the rules are followed and the sites are safe, it should not matter where.
Let’s take a closer look at these three facilities.
EcoProtect (EPMC) – Porac
EcoProtect is a sanitary landfill. It’s about 15 hectares and has been running since 2022. It can take up to 1,500 tons of waste daily from over 80 towns and cities. This includes areas from Pampanga to Bulacan.
The site has solid rules. Trucks are inspected. Waste is sprayed with enzymes to fight smells and pests. The soil helps break down the waste and the company treats its water discharge.
It has all needed government permits. And they plan to grow—adding more landfill areas and even building a recycling and waste-to-energy plant. One of their projects turns plastic into school chairs. That’s a win-win.
Prime Integrated Waste Solutions (PWS) – Porac
This one is different. PWS is not a landfill. It’s a big, high-tech recycling and sorting plant. It opened in June 2024 and can take in 5,000 tons a day. That’s a lot.
It uses machines to sort out useful materials. It aims to stop up to 90% of trash from going to landfills. It also turns trash into fuel, which reduces methane gas and helps the planet.
It’s been recognized for its green efforts. It even got a loan from a global bank for its eco-projects. The company also works with local communities—offering clean water and health care programs.
But it’s not perfect. It can’t handle hazardous or medical waste. It had odor complaints in Cebu, where a similar plant operates. Also, it needs steady power, and some systems have broken down in the past.
Floridablanca Enviro Corporation – Floridablanca
This is Pampanga’s first Level IV engineered landfill. It’s 91 hectares and can hold up to 10 million cubic meters of trash. Right now, it takes in about 1,000 tons a day, but it’s applying to expand.
The site uses strong safety measures. It has liners to stop leaks. It treats its water and does not let any run into rivers. It even turns landfill gas into energy. Guards check trucks 24/7.
The company is part of Berjaya, which runs landfills in Malaysia and China. It also gives back—donating medical gear and planting trees near the site.
But it has challenges. It can’t yet take special or medical waste. Its waste-to-energy plan is still not working—it’s just on paper for now.
One more concern: it’s close to the flight path of Clark airport. Birds may flock to the trash and pose a risk to planes. This must be watched closely.
So, what now?
EcoProtect is best for towns needing a reliable landfill today. It’s fully permitted and has room to grow.
PWS is great for big cities and industrial zones. It’s focused on turning trash into something useful. But remember, it is not a landfill.
Floridablanca Enviro is built for the long term. It has the right tools and experience behind it. But air safety concerns should be taken seriously.
In the end, no single site will solve our garbage problem. We need a mix of landfills and recycling plants. We need strict monitoring. And we need people to care—because trash doesn’t disappear. It just moves.
Pampanga now carries the load once held by Tarlac. The challenge is big. But with proper care, we can make sure that our garbage is managed, not just dumped.
And maybe, just maybe, we’ll learn to throw away less.