A BILL calling for the phase-out of single-use plastic products has been filed at the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 8692, or the “Ban on Single-use Plastic Products,” proposed to prohibit enterprises from manufacturing, importing and selling single-use plastics.
The bill covers plastic packaging, such as grocery bags; food packaging and containers, water bottles, straws, cups, and sachets.
“The bill seeks to ban single-use products and to encourage manufacturers and consumers to use more sustainable and environmental-friendly products,” Rep. Winston T. Castelo of Quezon City’s 2nd district said in the explanatory note of the bill.
The measure calls for a ban within one year after its effectivity and requires a phase-out plan to be drafted within three months.
Aside from banning plastic use in food outlets, retail establishments, and similar enterprises, the phase-out plan also includes programs to raise awareness and promote recycling among consumers and manufacturers.
It also covers the “collection, recycling, and proper disposal by the manufacturers of single-use plastic products already in circulation.”
The bill proposes to establish recycling centers at the local government unit level.
The bill tasks the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Interior and Local Government and Department of Finance to oversee the phase-out.
The bill proposes to fine violators P50,000 on the first offense, P100,000 and a one-year suspension of business permit on the second offense, and P200,000 and the cancellation of business permit on the third. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
