DILG Drops Bombshell Directive: LGUs Must Now Recognize ‘Invisible’ Waste Workers – Here’s Why It Matters!

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The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued Memorandum Circular 2025-012, mandating the integration of the Informal Waste Sector (IWS) into the solid waste management systems of Local Government Units (LGUs) across the Philippines. This directive, released on February 24, 2025, acknowledges the indispensable role of informal waste workers in resource recovery and environmental conservation.​

The IWS comprises individuals, families, groups, or small enterprises engaged in the collection and recovery of waste materials, often operating without formal recognition or support. Their contributions have been pivotal in waste diversion and recycling efforts, yet they have historically lacked access to social protections and formal livelihood opportunities.​

EcoWaste Coalition, a prominent environmental advocacy group, has lauded the DILG's initiative. Marlon Pareja, the NGO Representative to the National Solid Waste Management Commission, emphasized that this policy not only promotes environmental sustainability but also ensures social justice for waste pickers and small recyclers. He stated, "By integrating these workers into LGU-led programs, we are not only promoting environmental sustainability but also ensuring social justice for waste pickers and small recyclers who have long been contributing to waste diversion efforts."​

The memorandum outlines several key directives for LGUs:​

Formal Integration: LGUs are required to incorporate IWS workers into their official solid waste management programs, providing them with formal recognition and support.​

Social Protections: Ensuring access to social services, including health benefits, safety measures, and fair compensation, to improve the working conditions of IWS workers.​

Livelihood Opportunities: Developing programs that enhance the economic stability of IWS workers through training, capacity building, and access to resources.​

Collaborative Efforts: Encouraging partnerships between national government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to provide financial and technical assistance for the effective implementation of the policy.​

Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition, highlighted the timeliness of the directive, noting its alignment with upcoming observances such as International Waste Pickers’ Day on March 1 and Global Recycling Day on March 18. She remarked, "This is a long-overdue recognition of the indispensable contributions of the IWS in our country’s solid waste management system."​

The informal waste workers themselves have expressed optimism and relief. Charina Davin, Vice-President of the Samahan ng mga Mangangalakal sa Capulong, shared, "This policy is a huge relief for us, as it finally acknowledges the hard work we’ve been doing for years." She emphasized the need for swift action from LGUs to transform the directive into tangible benefits, including better working conditions and access to social services.​

This directive builds upon existing legislation, notably Republic Act No. 11898, or the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, which emphasizes the role of the IWS in waste recovery and mandates collaboration between LGUs, communities, and the informal sector. The DILG's memorandum provides clear guidelines for institutionalizing these partnerships, advancing the nation towards a circular economy while promoting social equity.​

EcoWaste Coalition has called on all LGUs to act promptly in implementing the directive, ensuring that waste workers receive dignified working conditions, government support, and opportunities for economic empowerment. The organization also urges waste-generating industries to recognize and support the informal waste sector in line with their extended producer responsibility obligations.​

As the nation progresses towards more sustainable and inclusive waste management practices, the integration of the informal waste sector stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government bodies, advocacy groups, and the workers who have long been the unsung heroes of environmental conservation.​

For more detailed information, the full text of DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-012 is available on the DILG's official website.​

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