The Baguio City council has approved an ordinance banning the use, sale and distribution of plastic bags and styrofoam containers. It calls for full implementation by business establishments in the city within a year.
According to Sun Star, the law which goes by the name The Plastic and Styrofoam-Free Baguio Ordinance, Ordinance No. 35 of 2017, also includes government offices, agencies and public schools.
No More Plastic And Styrofoam By 2018
Business establishments, such as supermarkets and stores have to stop using plastic bags for purchased goods or supplies. Food establishments are also prohibited from using plastic or styrofoam containers.
In place of banned materials, paper bags, reusable bags and containers made of biodegradable material must be provided to customers. This can be for free or for a cost. Customers however are free to bring any reusable and non-plastic bags when buying goods.
At the same time, establishments need to prominently post a sign that says plastic and styrofoam are not allowed in their establishment.
Big Help For City’s Solid Waste Management
With the city experiencing problems in managing its garbage, this measure hopes to lessen the amount of solid waste generated. Less plastic and styrofoam use will help reduce solid waste disposal cost and protect the environment as well.
The city generates around 140 to 150 tons of solid waste a day, and to haul this, each ton costs PhP 1,350 per ton. According an earlier Sun Star report, hauling is necessary because Baguio does not have a proper waste disposal site within the city.
In 2007, the city passed the Baguio City Paper Bag Ordinance, which requires the use of paper bags and biodegradable containers in the city. Implementation however was not as widespread. This new ordinance wants to change things, by assigning penalties to violators and incentives to those diligently follow the law.