MANILA — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has directed sanitary landfill operators nationwide to submit contingency plans for fires and other emergencies following a recent audit of waste disposal facilities.

In a memorandum dated April 22, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) required operators to submit their contingency plans within 15 days, detailing measures to address fire incidents, slope failure, leachate overflow, and possible gas explosions.

The directive also covers the installation of gas monitoring systems, coordination with local government units and the Bureau of Fire Protection, evacuation procedures, and post-incident rehabilitation efforts, according to a news release over the weekend.

EMB Director Jacqueline Caancan said preparedness is essential to reduce risks to public health, property, and the environment, particularly amid extreme heat conditions that heighten fire hazards in landfill sites.

The EMB also reminded local government units (LGUs) to comply with the prohibition on open dumping under Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which mandates a community-based approach to waste management.

LGUs operating open or controlled dumpsites were ordered to immediately halt operations and implement their Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plans.

The bureau also instructed regional offices to verify the status of rehabilitated dumpsites and provide technical assistance to ensure compliance with national standards.

Regular inspections and risk assessments will be conducted to identify high-risk disposal facilities that require urgent intervention, the EMB said.