DENR to launch new solid waste management program

To beef up its campaign on solid waste management in Metro Manila, the DENR has started tapping market establishments as partner in its "Bawas Balot, Bawas Basura" program. The program will be launched at Farmer’s Market, Cubao, Q, on April 29, 12 noon, at the Araneta Center.

The objectives of the prgram are to inform market-goers of the adverse effects of over-packaged consumer goods on the solid waste problem; instill among the market-goers the practice of waste reduction through less-packaged consumer goods; and involve them in the campaign in waste reduction.

Metro Manila generates waste at an alarming rate of 0.5 kg. per person per day. Existing dumpsites are filled to the brim. Some 1,500 tons of garbage are dumped daily on private land, in rivers, creeks and Manila Bay or openly burned, which pollute the land, water, and air.

Some residents of Manila have become ‘de-sensitized’ to the garbage problem. The launching of the "Bawas Balot, Bawas Basura" is expected to boost the implementation of R.A. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) particularly on waste reduction, which is its core concept. – Benny Enriquez