According to the local government of Caloocan, garbage collection in the city is regular despite reports of garbage piling up in some areas after the holiday season. This was denied by Barangay 174 Chairman Gilbert Rivera, who said that collection is done twice a day in his barangay.
He said, “The collection is regular here in our barangay. The city truck passes by and I have a staff assigned to guide the area. On the main road, the city also sends out. The collection is in the morning until 8am and in the evening from 9–10pm, not only on the main road but also on other roads.”
Rivera admitted that the amount of garbage increases during Christmas and New Year due to many celebrations, so there are temporary adjustments to the collection schedule. He added, “From December to January, there is a long vacation so there are adjustments. But in the second or third week of January, the collection returns to normal.”
The barangay chairman also emphasized the importance of residents' discipline in taking out their garbage. “Don't take out your garbage before the truck arrives. Garbage is collected regularly in our barangay, but the most important thing is to help the city and barangay in properly disposing of garbage.” According to the CEMD, there is daily collection on the main road and twice a week for the inner-barangays.
Some residents have complained that the problem is getting worse because of people dumping garbage from other areas. According to Renz, a resident, “I hope we just wait for the garbage collection. Sometimes, the garbage is not from here, so we are affected, especially the elderly.” The government also advised that anyone caught dumping garbage in the wrong place could be fined ₱500–₱5,000.
