SP to regulate use of plastics in Bacolod...

An ordinance regulating the use of plastic bags and plastic cellophane as packing or bagging materials, and institutionalizing the use of biodegradable containers within Bacolod City was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Wednesday.

Proposed by Councilor Greg Gasataya, the ordinance cited R.A. 9003, Section 48 (10-11) that provides that the manufacture, distribution or use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging material; and the importation of consumer products packed in non-environmentally acceptable materials, are strictly prohibited.

It said one of the waste materials clogging the waterways or strewn on streets or roads in the city are plastic materials like plastic bags and food wrappers.

It also said the use and sale of plastic as bagging material must be regulated, if not entirely prohibited, to protect the environment. A resort to the use of biodegradable bagging containers such as paper or cloth bags, woven baskets, carton boxes, among others including reusable bags except plastic sando bags, must be institutionalized, it added.

The ordinance shall cover all supermarkets, grocery stores, retail outlets or stores and other commercial stalls and manufacturers in all areas in Bacolod City .

It also said households disposing of waste material through the city's garbage collection system shall utilize paper bags, sacks or other biodegradable containers in packing their waste materials.

Otherwise, the city shall have the right to refuse collection, it added.

The ordinance also provides that violators will be meted penalties of P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense; P2,5000 and suspension of Business Permit for three months for the third offense; and cancellation and non-renewal of business permit for the fourth offense. Source: VDS