(In reaction to The Manila Times’ story “DENR orders review of waste facilities,” published on Jan. 27, 2026)

SPENDING on solid waste management is one of the largest any local government unit would do, after education and policing. As such, solid waste management — both as a science and an art — has matured using advanced mathematical techniques and various disciplines of natural and social sciences. Solid waste management in most countries is offered as a postgraduate course in environmental engineering. As a management system strongly influenced by local habits, tradition and culture, the application of scientific principles has to be adapted to local conditions.