Butuan City bans use of plastics

BUTUAN CITY – In a bid to contribute to the reduction of solid wastes in the city and to protect the health of Butuanons, Mayor Engr. Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada approved Monday an ordinance that will regulate the use of plastics and plastic by-products in this region’s fast-rising premier and capital city of Butuan.

“This measure is for the good of everybody,” the city chief executive said.

The Plastic Regulation Ordinance will prohibit business establishments from using plastic bags as packaging material.

Lagnada tasked City Councilor Cromwell P. Nortega, chairperson of the SangguniangPanglungsod (SP) Committee on Environment, to help disseminate information about the new measure so that it will be properly implemented with the help of barangay officials, the city environment and natural resources office and other concern law enforcement agencies.

Under the SP Ordinance 5334-2017, the following will be deemed prohibited acts: use of plastic as packaging material and as container for dry goods; of plastic pouches (commonly used for ice-making) and drinking straws for beverages, such as soft drinks, “palamig,” juice, “gulaman”, etc.; of nonbiodegradable plastic bags as garbage bags; and of plastic as flaglets and “banderitas” in all occasions.

Penalties, ranging from P500 to P5,000.00, will be prescribed for individuals and business establishments who will violate the ordinance.

However, there will be a gradual phase-out on the use of plastics and plastic by-products for a period of three to six months after the effectivity of the ordinance.

A one-year gradual implementation will also be implemented, it said.

The use of eco-bags and other environment-friendly practices was also mandated under the new measure.