The Socio-Economic Cost-Benefit Analysis of The Closing of Landfills and Dumpsites in Metro Manila Justice Rei Ada Steven Candano ABSTRACT In this paper, we will be exploring the socio-economic implications of closing and reopening dumpsites in Metro Manila. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) laid the groundwork for current waste management strategies, emphasizing recycling, composting, and the shift to sanitary landfills. Recent initiatives, such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law of 2023, push for corporate accountability in plastic waste management, aiming to mitigate marine litter and urban pollution, With Metro Manila's garbage collection expenses soaring to over P3 billion in 2022, largely due to increased tipping fees, the financial strain on municipal resources highlights the urgency for efficient waste management solutions. This study employs a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the economic and environmental ramifications of landfill closures, considering rising operational costs and the potential for job creation in recycling and waste management sectors. It underscores the importance of integrating environmental protection, public health, and economic efficiency in policy-making to ensure sustainable urban development. The analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and challenges associated with landfill management, offering insights into future waste management strategies in Metro Manila INTRODUCTION We have identified that the growing concern over solid waste management in Metro Manila and its socio-economic impacts necessitates a detailed examination through a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to understand the implications of closing and reopening dumpsites. The research question posed at the beginning of this study is: What are the socio-economic benefits and costs associated with the closure and subsequent reopening of dumpsites in Metro Manila, and how can a cost-benefit analysis inform policy decisions in this context? Metro Manila faces significant challenges in waste management, made worse by an increasing population and a corresponding rise in waste generation. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) and recent legislation like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law of 2023 have laid the groundwork for addressing these challenges. However, issues such as rising garbage collection costs, which have doubled since 2017, and a 50% increase in tipping fees post-2019, highlight the financial burden on the city's management resources and the urgent need for effective waste management solutions (Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2023; Indonesian Journal of Social and Environmental Issues, 2020). The context of the problem lies in the increasing volume of waste, the scarcity of sanitary landfills, and the high costs associated with waste management. This situation not only poses environmental hazards but also impacts public health and economic efficiency. The Philippines, among the top contributors to plastic waste pollution globally, faces a unique set of challenges due to low recycling rates and inconsistencies in waste management practices across local government units (Indonesian Journal of Social and Environmental Issues, 2020). CBA is necessary for this project to weigh the economic benefits of waste management initiatives against their costs. This analysis is vital for assessing the viability of closing and reopening dumpsites, taking into account the environmental, public health, and economic impacts. The relevance of this problem to the Philippines is underscored by the country's struggle with waste management, which has significant implications for environmental sustainability and public health (Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2023). Internationally, there are examples of successful waste management and landfill closure projects that can offer valuable lessons for the Philippines. For instance, the implementation of advanced waste-to-energy facilities and comprehensive recycling programs in countries like Sweden and Japan has significantly reduced the reliance on landfills. These examples provide insight into alternative waste management strategies that could be adapted to the Philippine context. Possible policy recommendations include enhancing the implementation of RA 9003 and the EPR Law, investing in recycling and waste-to-energy technologies, and increasing public awareness and participation in waste reduction practices. By applying CBA to assess the feasibility and impact of such initiatives, policymakers can make informed decisions that balance environmental sustainability with economic considerations. Given the current challenges in waste management in Metro Manila, this study expects that a thorough CBA will reveal significant long-term socio-economic benefits from investing in sustainable waste management practices. These benefits likely include reduced environmental degradation, improved public health outcomes, and economic savings from decreased waste management costs. This analysis aims to contribute to a more sustainable and economically efficient approach to waste management in Metro Manila and provide a model for similar urban areas facing waste management challenges. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE The literature on waste management practices and policies highlights a comprehensive approach towards handling municipal solid waste (MSW) with a focus on environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The European Union (EU) has developed a robust policy framework, including the Waste Framework Directive and the Circular Economy Package, aiming to transition towards a recycling society that minimizes waste generation and views waste as a resource. These policies advocate for a waste hierarchy principle, emphasizing prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal in that order. The approach seeks not only to mitigate environmental impacts but also to foster economic growth by enhancing resource efficiency and creating business opportunities in waste management. However, challenges such as implementation gaps, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, remain due to varying levels of collection coverage and planning for future treatment capacity (European Commission, 2010a; ISWM-Tinos, 2012; FhG-IBP, 2014). In developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, waste management poses a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization, population growth, and insufficient infrastructure. Ethiopia, as a case study, exemplifies these challenges, facing increasing waste generation rates and prevalent open burning and dumping. Despite adopting MSWM policies and legal frameworks aimed at mitigating environmental and health impacts, the country struggles with effective implementation. The core issues include lack of policy enforcement, weak institutional capacity, limited public awareness, and minimal cooperation among stakeholders. The situation in Ethiopia underscores the importance of comprehensive strategies that include legal frameworks, capacity building, public participation, and international cooperation to address the multifaceted challenges of MSWM (Hirpe & Yeom, 2021). This review underscores the need for an integrated approach to waste management that aligns with global sustainability goals. Drawing lessons from the EU's policy framework could offer valuable insights for developing countries in improving their waste management systems. Moreover, addressing the specific challenges in these regions requires tailored solutions that consider local contexts and capacities. Collaboration between governments, communities, and international partners is crucial to enhancing MSWM practices and achieving environmental sustainability and public health objectives