New plastic bag prohibition on the Philippines

The local government of Taytay in Rizal province will soon ban the use of plastic bags and other forms of non-biodegradable packaging.

In a memorandum, Taytay Mayor Joric Gacula directed the town’s business permits and licensing office to notify the 4,000 registered establishments about the ban.

Inclusive of the order are public schools, hospitals, and government offices as well as private business establishments.

“There are numerous alternatives to non-biodegradable plastic bags. We have our baskets, bayongs, eco-bags, paper bags, cloth bags or katsa, bags made of recycled tetra packs and many others. We just have to be innovative and ingenious in finding substitute packaging materials or containers,” Gacula said.

As this developed, the local council has begun drafting an ordinance that would provide stiff fines and sanctions for businesses that would not comply with the measure.

Gacula said the prohibition on the use of plastic bags and other forms on non-biodegradable packaging are made amid pending action of Congress on a proposed bill that would effect a nationwide ban.

Source

philstar.com, 2011-28-04.

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