MANILA — The EcoWaste Coalition rejected claims that environmental groups support waste-to-energy (WtE) incineration and calling out the Department of Energy (DOE) for sharing what it described as “false information promoting false solutions.”

In a statement marking World Pollution Prevention Day, the coalition—composed of more than 130 public interest groups nationwide—said it “VEHEMENTLY OPPOSES” the spread of a narrative that portrays civil society organizations as endorsing WtE facilities.

A post shared by the DOE earlier at 2 p.m. reportedly listed environmental groups and civil society organizations as lead supporters of WtE. The coalition said this was inaccurate, stressing that during the agency’s Multi-Sectoral Forum held on November 28, 2028, “we EXPLICITLY OPPOSED the proposed WtE and there was NO CONSENSUS.”

“We DO NOT SUPPORT legislation that attempts to rebrand incineration as a solution to the waste crisis,” the coalition said, emphasizing that WtE technologies “are in DIRECT CONTRADICTION to the mandates of the Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749) and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003).”

The group argued that burning or incinerating waste converts trash into “TOXIC pollution,” releasing hazardous substances that threaten public health and the environment.

Instead, the coalition said it stands for “REAL SOLUTIONS,” including waste reduction, segregation at source, sustaining reuse systems, and promoting safer and sustainable communities.

It also demanded accountability and an accurate representation of its position from the DOE.