Acting Gov. David M. Apatang, right, and Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul watch the sorting machine at work in Lower Base on Thursday.
ACTING Gov. David M. Apatang and Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul on Thursday visited Artman Corp. to see a demonstration of a waste sorting machine that will help extend the life of the Marpi landfill.
They first listened to the presentation of Artman Managing Coordinator Jun Lee, who explained how the sorting machine works.
Lee said it segregates soil, incombustibles and other recyclables such plastics so that only 15% of solid waste will end up in the landfill.
Yumul said this can significantly extend the life of the Marpi landfill.
He noted that Cell No. 1 of the landfill is almost filled, but Cell No. 2 is ready and DPW has begun working on Cell No. 3.
He said the Marpi landfill can have up to six cells that can be filled with solid waste.
Yumul said the CNMI can still include the purchase of a segregation machine in its solid waste comprehensive plan.
DPW engineers, he added, are now looking into it.
