Defy this Quezon City law and be ‘shot’ next to your trash

This is one offense where “burning” the evidence can actually get you caught.

The Quezon City government has approved an ordinance prohibiting the burning of trash in public or residential areas, whether on one’s yard, on sidewalks or on empty lots.

Mayor Herbert Bautista has signed Iwas Siga Ordinance of 2011, which penalizes violators with fines and imprisonment. The measure was authored by councilors Anthony Peter Crisologo and Gian Carlo Sotto.

Violators caught in the act will be photographed next to their burning pile of trash as evidence. Offenders face fines ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and a jail term of six months to one year.

“The burning of garbage in public places causes pollution and creates a public nuisance which offends the senses and endangers public health and safety,” the ordinance read.

With the passage of the ordinance, residents are being advised to dispose of their trash through the city’s collection system, which sends out garbage trucks either daily or three times a week depending on the area to pick up household wastes.

The ban will be enforced in the city’s 142 barangays (villages) through their respective solid waste management committees.—Julie M. Aurelio