Mandaluyong City is now working on an ordinance to cut on the use and giving away of free plastic bags, disposable plastic foam packages, and utensils to customers.
“Mandaluyong is home to major shopping malls using a huge number of plastic bags and Styrofoam. It is but right that we act now to reduce plastic wastes in our city,“ Councillor Jessie Garcias’s proposal cited.
Garcia’s chief of staff said that plastic bags in dry markets would be prohibited. Fastfood chains and restaurant s will also be compelled to use “washable” plates and utensils instead of Styrofoam and plastic products.
However, plastic bags are allowed in wet markets, but market vendors, canteen and sari-sari (variety) stores will be fined P150 for the first offense; while groceries and supermarkets will be fined P500.
Fines of P300 and P1000 have been recommended for small time vendors and supermarkets, respectively, for the second offense; and P1500 and P3000 and the suspension of business permits, for the third time offenders. It also recommended a half-day community service for those who found violating the ordinance.
“The ordinance should also include provisions about emerging technologies on biodegradable plastic bags,” Mayor Benhur added.
PDI March2
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