ENVIRONMENTAL health group EcoWaste Coalition on Tuesday appealed to authorities to recall or revoke an advisory on coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) healthcare waste disposal, which, if enforced, would allow the burning of such waste in incinerators and crematories. Through a letter to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Officer-in-Charge Director William Cuñado, the group sought the immediate withdrawal of the “Advisory on Alternative Modes for the Disposal of Pathological and Infectious Covid-19 Healthcare Waste” issued by the EMB last March 26, which lists “thermal treatment by incineration” and “the use of crematorium” among the methods permitted. This, EcoWaste Coalition President Eileen Sison pointed out, is not aligned with the intent of relevant laws, especially the “Clean Air Act” and the “Code on Sanitation of the Philippines.”
