THE Municipality of La Trinidad in Benguet is bracing for the full implementation of the plastic ban starting on May 1.
"You are enjoined to properly dispose of these materials before May 1. We further require all business establishments to use eco-bags and other reusable bags as carry-out bags," stated in the notice signed by Mayor Romeo Salda.
Plastic are said to be major contributor to the growing garbage problem of the valley, thus, the municipal council enacted an ordinance that regulates the use of plastic bag, polystyrene/Styrofoam, and other synthetic packaging material.
Implementation of the ordinance is expected to address the consumption of single plastic bags, polystyrene and other synthetic bagging materials and to mainstream the use of reusable bags.
Business establishments are also prohibited to utilize plastic bags as packaging materials for dry goods, for food, produce or cushioning materials in packaging.
Business establishments dealing with wet goods are allowed to use plastic bags with no handle as secondary packaging materials as this are justified on grounds of public hygiene while primary packaging sources like bayong, eco bags and other reusable containers are also encouraged.
Although an exemption has been made for whole sellers of the vegetables in the use of plastic bag as there are justified on the grounds of sanitation, they are encouraged to use biodegrable, reusable alternative bagging products and containers.
Owner of the establishments found violating the provision of the ordinance are liable and penalized with a fine of P1,000 for first offense, P2,000 second offense and P2,500 in addition that the municipality may cause the cancellation of the business permit of the said establishment upon the discretion of the court.
Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Arthur Pedro said ongoing notices are posted along main thorough fares informing the public of the full implementation.
"Big establishments such as Tiongsan, SM and Puregold are also very willing to support the ordinance," said Pedro.
Pedro added on the remaining months of March and April, an information and education campaign will be conducted as the office will provide ordinance and copy of the notice.