This Policy Note looks into the opportunities, benefits, and challenges of interlocal cooperation models in providing common solid waste management (SWM) services. Through case studies of the Surallah Cluster Sanitary Landfill in South Cotabato and the Passi City Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (PIWMF) in Iloilo, the paper evaluates the management structure, financing strategies, sustainability, and issues and challenges of interlocal arrangements operating these facilities. It concludes that the provincial government’s active involvement, particularly in providing technical, financial, institutional, and policy assistance; a committed LGU champion serving as the host for the disposal facility; a dedicated SWM unit and technically capable LGU staff; continued access to technical information and innovation; incentives and support for clustered LGUs and private sector participation; and national agencies’ strong enforcement of SWM laws are the main enablers of interlocal cooperation.
