Quezon City to Ban Single-Use Plastics in 2020
Starting from February 2020, Quezon City will ban the distribution and usage of single-use plastics in the city as part of the Ordinance SP-2876 signed by Mayor Joy Belmonte last October 15.
The policy aims to prohibit single-use utensils and plastic bags in hotels, restaurants, stores, and other businesses. Other than that, hotels are disallowed to distribute soap and shampoo in sachets.
“The local government of Quezon City is taking this action to prevent and reduce the generation of waste materials that are hardly recovered and recycled, and to promote sustainable practices, especially in the city’s thriving hotel and restaurant industry,” Mayor Belmonte said in a statement.
She hopes for a better environment by reducing waste and phasing out single used plastics, which are some of the causes of flooding in the area.
Upon violation of this policy, violators will be subject to the following penalties:
- First offense – a fine of Php 1,000
- Second offense – a fine of Php 3,000 plus revocation of environmental clearance and issuance of a cease and desist order by the business permits and Licensing Department
- Third offense – a fine of Php 5,000 and revocation of the business permit, and issuance of a closure order
The Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) and the Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) are instructed to ensure that all hotels and restaurants are able to comply with the provisions of the Ordinance while the EPWMD Environmental Inspectors are responsible to those who violate the ordinance.
Also read: Quezon City: Dream City of the North
Source: Quezon City Government Press Release
