Talisay’s ban vs plastic bags making progress

CEBU, Philippines - The volume of materials made of plastic that ends up as garbage in Tabunok, Talisay City has decreased following the implementation last month of the ban on the use of plastic bags and wrappers.

Edwin Nierves, head of the City Solid Waste and Management, said the campaign focused on Tabunok, being the biggest commercial area in the city.

Nierves said market goers are urged to use “bayong” or anything recyclable bag the next time they go to the market.

In the past, plastic bags blocked the waterways causing the drainage system to overflow.

Nierves said about 40 percent of the garbage in Tabunok collected are materials made of plastic.

Now, some establishments in Tabunok use paper bags, but several businesses have asked for time to dispose of their supply of plastic bags before they will resort to paper bags.