Parañaque to ban single-use plastics starting June

MANILA, Philippines — The Parañaque City government announced on Tuesday that it would ban single-use plastics starting June this year amid the country’s continued problem on plastic waste.

According to a Facebook post by City Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), Parañaque will prohibit single-use plastic under Ordinance No. 18-40, Series of 2019.

https://www.facebook.com/cenroparanaque.ph/photos/a.419808598191302/1327233647448788/?type=3&theater

Under the ordinance, no business establishments — including food stalls, mobile food cars, food caterings, shops, hotels and fast food — can use styrofoam and single-use plastic.

The government also bans the use and selling of styrofoam and plastic bag containers in department stores, shops, supermarkets and public markets.

Violators will face a fine of up to P5,000 for the first and second offense. For the third offense, violators will pay a fine of P5,000, with the cancelation of their business permits and closure of their business establishment.

In a 2019 study from environmental group Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (Gaia), Filipinos are littering 48 million plastic shopping bags, 45 million thin-film bags and three million diapers daily.

Gaia also warned that if Filipinos would throw away almost 165 million plastic sachets every day, the National Capital Region will be stuck in “knee-deep plastic waste in one year.”

Biodegradable plastic exempted in other establishments

Under Section 5 of the ordinance, supermarkets and public markets are allowed to use plastic for wet goods such as raw fish and meat.

Pharmaceutical and seafood exporters are allowed to use styrofoam packaging but they must follow strict proper disposal of their packaging items.

/atm