THE City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) is calling on the public to surrender their remaining plastic sando bags to its office to fully adopt the ecobag lifestyle.

Clenro chief Engineer Armen Cuenca said, residents can contact its office so the staff can come to the houses and personally collect or surrender the plastic cellophane to the Clenro themselves.

Cuenca advised the public to contact them to properly dispose the plastic bags.

Meanwhile, the environment office has started issuing temporary violation receipts to 5 malls in the city found violating the plastic use regulation.

Cuenca said they have monitored 20 violators: 11 stores are still issuing plastic bags in SM Uptown, 4 stores in SM Downtown, 2 stores each in Gaisano Mall and Ayala Centrio Mall, and 10 stores in Limketkai mall.

"In fairness, the supermarket stores in these malls have complied with the ecobag use, but their department stores are still issuing plastic cellophanes," he added.

Cuenca however said that biodegradable plastics are not prohibited, provided business owners can show a certification from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) proving their claim.

Cuenca also warned restaurants in the city to comply with the new regulation or face the P3,000 penalty for every plastic bag issued.

The Clenro chief also noted that some establishments circumvent the new regulation, by actually cutting out the handle of the plastic bag to get away with the penalty.

But despite this, Cuenca said they still have the support of the majority to continue the plastic-free campaign.

"We have the 95% support of the public," he said.