Olongapo bans plastic, polystyrene

OLONGAPO, Philippines – The city government has prohibited the sale and use of plastic bags and polystyrene packaging products as part of the city government’s program to protect the environment and prevent floods.

Mayor Rolen Paulino said most of the garbage collected during the annual coastal and river cleanup here are plastic bags and polysterene products.

“They are two of the main reasons why our drainage clogs up. That is why we are banning these products,” Paulino said.

He urged residents to support the ban as he formed a task force to monitor its implementation.

The ban on the use of plastic bags and polystyrene started on Jan. 1, following a gradual implementation last year.

Based on City Ordinance 11, violators will be fined P1,000 for the first offense and P2,000 for the second. For the third offense, violators’ business permits are cancelled and they are fined P5,000.

Residents have been urged to use recyclable or eco-bags, native bags or bayong and biodegradable plastic paper cups and food containers.

In Metro Manila the ban has led to the use of double-layer paper bags in most shopping outlets, which endangers trees.