Smokey Mountain, Landfill site in Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Smokey Mountain is a former landfill in Tondo, Manila that once received thousands of tons of waste annually from the metropolitan area. The site eventually transformed into a residential neighborhood after being closed and developed by local authorities.
The site operated as Manila's primary waste disposal location for decades before authorities began transitioning it into residential space. Development efforts reflected broader changes in how the city attempted to address informal settlements and waste management challenges.
The location influenced Filipino arts, including the formation of a musical group named after the site that addressed social and environmental topics.
The location is now a residential neighborhood that visitors can explore like any other area of Manila. Keep in mind the site continues to develop and is home to established communities with their own daily routines.
The place got its name from plumes of smoke rising when decomposing waste underground ignited from internal heat and chemical reactions. These fires burned intermittently for years, creating the distinctive smoke that gave the landfill its identity.
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