Quezon City bans single-use plastics at city hall

MANILA, Philippines — As part of efforts to reduce plastic waste, the Quezon City government has prohibited the use of disposables and single-use plastic bags within city hall premises and in other local government-run establishments.

Mayor Joy Belmonte issued an executive order banning the use of plastic bags and packaging, styrofoam or polystyrene materials, disposable dishware such as paper plates, plastic utensils, PET bottles, plastic and paper cups in all city-owned facilities.

“Non-biodegradable and single-use plastics take thousands of years to break down, polluting our land and waterways in the process. Studies show that microplastics have made their way into our food, drinking water and even our soil – posing health risks to the communities,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Plastic waste clogs drainage systems and contributes to severe flooding, as seen during recent typhoons, she said.

“Plastic pollution is a growing crisis that endangers our health, our economy and the well-being of most vulnerable communities. Plastic even chokes marine animals. This is precisely why the city government is pioneering policies and long-term solutions to reduce plastic use and advance sustainability,” Belmonte said.

The policy, which took effect on Monday, mandates city hall employees to bring reusable eco-bags when buying food outside the building.

Reusable take-out containers must also be used when purchasing food from vendors and stalls at the city hall compound.

“The use of single-use cutlery will be prohibited for employees in the workplace. For clients and visitors, food from vendors may be served in disposable take-out containers, including utensils upon request. However, these items must not be brought inside the building,” the local government said.

Food deliveries will still be allowed inside city government buildings, provided that the recipient offices are required to recover the food containers and trade them at the Trash to Cashback booth.

Deliveries that use plastic packaging will not be permitted inside city government buildings.