QC Regulates Plastic Use

By: Paula Bianca Arriola

Quezon City government passed two ordinances, the SP-2140 and SP-2130 that regulate – not ban – the use of plastic bags and other polystyrene materials.

After the massive rains brought by typhoon Gener and the west monsoon that swamped Metro Manila and nearby provinces in the past weeks, plastic bags are blamed for clogging drainage systems.

The two environment protection ordinances stipulated the regulation of plastic bag use in commercial areas and to reduce the city’s production of plastic waste.

SP-2140 or the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance enforced a Plastic Recovery System Fee that charges an environmental fee of two pesos (P2.00) for every new plastic bag, regardless of the size.

The fee will be part of Green fund and be used to fund for various environmental programs.

Meanwhile, SP-2103 mandated business establishments to pay an environmental fee for every non-biodegradable plastic they will use, and display a notice in their stores that encourages consumers to bring their own reusable bags to protect the environment.

The city’s estimated volume of plastic bag that goes to waste system everyday is 719 cu.m or 45 10-wheeler trucks.

Plastic bags that are commonly used for wrapping fresh foods and cooked foods are exempted from this ordinance.

Users of reusable/recyclable bags will be given discounts and points that can be used for later purchases.

Special counters are also provided for customers with reusable bags.

However, city offices and hospitals, especially the QC City Hall currently bans the use of plastic and polystyrene packaging materials inside their premises.