It took so long. Finally it's done!
Starting June, Davao City joins over a quarter of the world's countries that ban the use of non-biodegradable plastics or polythene bags used for grocery and shopping, including materials made of polystyrene foam.
The ban of the use of plastics and Styrofoam takes effect on June 28, 2012 - two years after the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance was approved in June 2010.
Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) chief Jospeh Dominic Felizarta said CENRO's advocacy team has been doing the rounds of business establishments, including the big malls, informing and educating owners on the implementation of the law.
Davao City is not focusing on sanctions against violators but wants to install discipline in following the law, which in the case of the ban on plastics is indeed a big help in preserving and protecting the environment.
There are about 29,000 business establishments in Davao City based on the number of Solid Waste Management Certificates issued by CENRO after underdoing a mandated seminar.
However, wrappers of candy, snack foods, and other such items will be treated by CENRO as residual wasters that are disposed at the city's sanitary landfill.
As we all know: discarded plastic shopping bags are the most common items that clog the drainage system and contribute to flooding.
