Implementing Guidelines Prohibiting, Regulating, and Prescribing Certain Usage of Plastics and Styrofoam (Polystyrene) and Promoting the Use of Eco Bags and Environment Friendly Packaging Materials and Containers

December 18, 2015

CDC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. EPD-15-12-15

 

SECTION I. Rationale. —

Clark Freeport Zone has been generating huge volume of wastes from plastic bags and styrofoam (polystyrene). Although both these materials make life and business easier and safer, these synthetic materials has left imprints on the environment, human health, and marine mammals.

Plastics are durable, flexible and long-lasting. They are also found everywhere. Plastics are made from carbon, though, typically comes from oil, a fossil fuel-product that is not so good for the environment. Styrofoam is made up of plastics.

Approximately 500 billion of plastic bags are used worldwide annually, and it takes more than hundreds of years for the plastics to degrade. Correspondingly, styrofoam containers, when used for food packaging, release chemicals that can leach into the food that affects human health.

Plastics and styrofoam generate huge amount of carbon footprint from manufacturing, transport, recycling, and disposal that contributes to climate change. The impacts of climate change is monstrous.

In support fighting climate change, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is scheduling for the gradual phase-out on the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and styrofoam on all establishments. This Circular applies to all stakeholders in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zones i.e., locators, residents, Philippine Air Force (PAF), government entities, SM City Clark, Bayanihan Stalls, and CDC. Sufficient time for compliance will be accorded on all concerned.

Similarly, CDC will be promoting the use of better alternative or environment-friendly materials such as eco bags or reusable bags (coco cloths/katsa, woven/bayong, etc.), biodegradable plastics, greener alternatives to styrofoam (corn-based, fiber, pulp, biodegradable styrofoam, etc.), reusable food containers, and other similar materials. There are now available alternatives in the market. CAIHTE

In this regard, all are enjoined to cooperate and participate.

SECTION II. Policy Statement. —

The CDC was mandated to formulate and implement policy guidelines, plans and programs towards the protection and enhancement of the environment for the sustainable development of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zones.

SECTION III. Objectives. —

The objective of this Memorandum Circular is for the gradual phase out of disposable or non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam. This guideline promotes best practices for the reduction of plastics and styrofoam in the waste stream.

While, CDC acknowledges the economic impacts of this Circular, all concerned will be provided with sufficient time to comply through graduated period of compliance. CDC will conduct series of meetings and consultations for the effective implementation of this Circular.

The concerted effort of all stakeholders will provide positive impacts in fighting climate change and providing a better future for our next generations.

SECTION IV. Scope and Coverage. —

This Circular applies to all stakeholders (locators, residents, Philippine Air Force, government offices) in Clark including SM City Clark and Bayanihan Stalls. It shall cover all types of non-biodegradable or disposable plastics and styrofoam that eventually ends up as residual wastes or garbage.

SECTION V. Definition of Terms. —

For purposes of these guidelines, the following terms are defined; to wit:

a. Biodegradable plastic bags — refers to plastic bags made with biodegradable materials

b. Eco bags or re-usable bags — are bags made of different materials that can withstand several uses as containers and for packaging rendering them eco-friendly as they provide an alternative means to disposable plastic bags. Eco bags are made from fabric, recycled or indigenous materials such as woven bags (bayong), coco cloths (katsa)

c. Goods

• Wet goods — refers to any refrigerated or frozen product to maintain freshness such as fish, meat, poultry products, fruits, vegetables, etc. DETACa

• Dry goods — refers to any product that does not require refrigeration or freezing to maintain freshness such as dry commodities, textiles, clothing, etc.

d. Markets

• Wet market — refers to the store of any refrigeration or frozen product (meat, fish, and/or seafoods) to maintain freshness and to extend shelf life such as wet section in public market, supermarkets, mini marts, eatery or similar establishments

• Dry market — refers to any establishment, outlet, and stores that do not require refrigeration and freezing

e. Packaging Materials

• Primary packaging materials — refers to a type of packaging material for containing wet produce, snack foods, frozen foods, hardware, etc.

• Secondary packaging materials — refers to those types of packaging materials for wet goods to provide support to any primary packaging which is for the convenience of the handler

f. Plastic bags — also known as sando bags, plastic carryout bags, pouch (ice, gulaman), plastic shopping bags, and plastic film (wrap) that is used for containing and transporting goods and other products

g. Recycling Center — is a recycling center that purchases or accepts recyclable materials for the purpose of recycling

h. Styrofoam — is a light, expanded polystyrene plastic, and refers as packaging material used as food containers, disposal cups, plates, etc.

i. Tote bags — a soft open bag with handles made of canvass, leather, plastic straw used as shopping bags

j. Woven bags — refers to biodegradable packaging material made of woven "pandan or buri" leaves and other similar materials.

SECTION VI. Prohibited Uses of Plastic and Styrofoam. —

Listed below are the prohibited uses of plastics and styrofoam:

a. As packaging material and container for dry goods

b. As secondary packaging material for wet goods

c. Selling and providing plastic pouch and drinking straw for "palamig" and "gulaman" aDSIHc

d. Use as flaglets and "banderitas" during occasions

e. Providing styrofoam as containers for food, produce, drinks, and other products

SECTION VII. Regulated Uses of Plastic and Styrofoam. —

a. A plastic bag common known as sando bags may be used as primary packaging material only for wet goods. Use of plastic bag shall be optimized based on the size or volume of wet goods.

b. Wet goods that are already pre-contained in plastic wraps, pouches, bag, and the like as part of the product's packaging materials such as frozen products shall not be contained further in plastic bag.

c. Original packaging of goods delivered to different establishments. Repacking the goods using plastics is prohibited.

d. Wet goods that are not pre-contained in plastic wraps, pouches or bags are preferably to be contained in customer-supplied "reusable" pre-cleaned and sanitized plastic containers.

e. Plastics and plastics products that form part of a product such as from the semiconductor and electronic facilities

f. Styrofoam used as ice chests, insulators and/or for any similar purposes may be allowed. However, styrofoam, after its usage, will be classified as special wastes which requires proper disposal.

g. Standard size trash or garbage bags such as CILA bags and other approved type and size of trash bags.

SECTION VIII. Use of Biodegradable Plastics and Styrofoam, Eco Bags or Reusable Bags and Other Environment-Friendly Packaging Materials. —

a. All concerned stakeholders are enjoined to use eco bags or reusable bags whenever applicable and the general public shall bring appropriate bags or containers when going for shopping and to the market.

b. Biodegradable plastics and styrofoam are allowed. Still, a Certification from the manufacturer of biodegradable materials and sample product must be submitted to CDC Environmental Permits Department (CDC EPD) for approval prior to its use.

c. Use of alternative packaging materials i.e., used papers, old newspapers, banana leaves, etc. is highly recommended. ETHIDa

d. Business establishments, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations are enjoined to promote the use of eco bags through quad media (TV, print, radio, social network).

e. CDC will formulate a system of rewards and incentives for complying stakeholders.

SECTION IX. Moratorium. —

All stakeholders are hereby given a period of four (4) months upon issuance of this Memorandum Circular. Yet, CDC acknowledges those affected stakeholders that produce, use, buy, sell, exchange or provide disposable plastics to consume and dispose of their current supply and inventory prior to date of implementation.

SECTION X. Monitoring. —

The CDC EPD shall monitor the smooth and effective implementation of this Circular. For more information, comments and suggestions; please visit CDC EPD at 2/F Building 2127 CDC Corporate Center, CP Garcia Street or call at (045) 499 1137 to 38.

SECTION XI. Awareness Campaign. —

The CDC will conduct Clark-wide awareness campaign aside from the issuance of this Memorandum Circular to all stakeholders such as posting at CDC website and bulletin boards, and through quad media (local TV, print, radio, social network).

SECTION XII. Penalties. —

Any stakeholder who is found to have violated the prohibited and regulated provisions of this Circular shall be penalized with corresponding fees:

a. For any person or individual:

First Offense — PhP1,000.00

Second Offense — PhP3,000.00

Third Offense PhP5,000.00 and community service

b. For business establishment:

First Offense — PhP5,000.00

Second Offense — PhP10,000.00

Third Offense — PhP20,000.00 and revocation of Certificate of Registration or Business Permit

A CDC-approved Citation Ticket shall be issued to any person who violates this Circular to be paid at CDC Cashiers located at 2/F Building 2127 CP Garcia Street or at Building 2121 E. Quirino Street, Clark Freeport Zone. cSEDTC

All fines collected shall be used to procure eco-bags for distribution and to fund its awareness campaign.

SECTION XIII. Separability Clause. —

If any part of this Circular is declared as unconstitutional or unlawful, such declaration shall not affect the other provisions of sections hereof that are not declared unlawful or unconstitutional.

SECTION XIV. Approval. —

This Circular shall take effect upon approval by the CDC Board of Directors.

(SGD.) ENGR. ROGELIO M. MAGATManagerEnvironmental Permits Department

Noted by:

(SGD.) EVANGELINE G. TEJADAVice PresidentBusiness Development & Business Enhancement