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Philippines City Bans Plastic Bags, Styrofoam Now
9 Feb
Summary
- Masantol, Philippines, enforces a ban on single-use plastic bags.
- Styrofoam containers are also prohibited for sale and use.
- Penalties include fines, jail time, and business license loss.
Masantol, a city in the Pampanga region of the Philippines, is taking a firm stance against plastic pollution. Mayor Danilo Guinto has enacted an executive order enforcing a ban on the sale and use of single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers by all businesses.
This initiative addresses the persistent global issue of plastic waste, particularly problematic in the Philippines where these materials do not degrade naturally and can accumulate for centuries. Burning plastic and Styrofoam releases toxic fumes, posing significant health risks.
The ordinance, first established in 2018, now carries strict penalties. First-time offenders face a 500 pesos fine, with subsequent offenses escalating to 1,000 pesos, then 2,500 pesos, potentially including a 90-day jail sentence and a year-long business license suspension.
