Makati phasing out plastic, styrofoam containers in 1 year

Makati City is giving business establishments in the city one year to dispose of their plastic and Styrofoam containers and switch to recyclable substitutes.

 

City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. signed the implementing rules of an ordinance (Ordinance No. 2003-095) that encourages environment-friendly business measures.

 

Under the guidelines, business establishments selling dry and wet goods will be allowed to use plastic bags only if these are biodegradable and/or recyclable, according to a news release published on the city’s website.

 

The guidelines also specify that establishments may provide for free or for a fee environment-friendly or eco-friendly bags made of jute, fabric, cloth, or paper, and baskets or bags woven using pandan, coconut tree or buri/buli leaves.

 

However, the ordinance bans the distribution, sale and use of:

 

Binay warned dumping of plastics and Styrofoams indiscriminately is not only unsanitary but would also hurt the environment as these would clog drainages and waterways.

 

He said his executive order containing the said guidelines strengthens the "fight against global warming” by greatly reducing the non-biodegradable materials and solid wastes that add to the pollution in the city and clog waterways and cause flooding.

 

Covered establishments

 

Covered by the guidelines are:

 

These establishments have been given one year to dispose of their stocks of non-biodegradable thin-film, single-use and carry-out plastic bags and Styrofoams (polysterene) used as dining utensils, food and beverage containers, and other similar materials.

 

Inventory

 

Business establishments are now required to declare their stock inventory of such materials to the Anti-Plastic Task Force (APTF) through the Department of Environmental Services (DES).

 

The task force will strictly monitor and recommend sanctions against erring establishments. Members of the task force include representatives from DES, Law Department, Liga ng Barangay Office, Makati Action Center, Makati Health Department-Sanitary Inspector, Economic Enterprise Marketing Office, and Business Permit Office.

 

Plastic Bag Recovery Bins

 

Business establishments covered by the guidelines are also now required to place a “Plastic Bag Recovery Bin” that is visible, accessible and clearly marked.

 

The bin is for the purpose of collecting, recycling and disposing of plastic bags.

 

The Plastic Bag Recovery Bins will also be made available in each Barangay Hall so barangay residents can drop off plastic bags. 

 

The DES will then take charge of having the plastic bags collected, recycled, and disposed of by reputable recyclers and organized junk shop operators.

 

Violations

 

Under the guidelines, those found violating them will be penalized as follows:

 

 

Additional sanctions such as the cancellation of the permit and/or license to operate if warranted may also be done. –KG, GMA News