Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

H.B.No, 496

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Act shall be known as “The Plastic Bag Recycling Act of 2010” which seeks to
reduce or minimize the use of plastic bags.

Plastic bags are easily carried by wind, escaping from landfills and garbage bins. Plastic
carryout bags and film plastic are not biodegradable. These bags break down into smaller toxic
bits that contaminate soil and waterways and enter into the food web when animals accidentally
ingest those materials, and that these pieces can last for more than 1,000 years.

What's wrong with plastic bags? Plastic bags are seen as a symbol of wasteful society
as they are a form of packaging that is often not essential. As a single use disposable form of
packaging, plastic bags are typically used for a short period of time but take hundreds of years
to break down in landfill, Plastic bags are extremely visible and unsightly component of ltter.

Salient provisions of this bill requires that retailers establish an at-store recycling
“program and to offer reusable bags (such as canvas or cloth).

It is about time that we reduce the use plastic bags and encourage the use of reusable
bags for the benefit of our environment.

The proposed recycling program favors programs that maximize material reuse and
recycling and programs that use energy efficient recycling processes.
In view of the foregoing considerations, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

JUAN EDGARDO “S
Representative
Lone District, Province of Aurora

IY” M. ANGARA


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

H.B. No. 49 6

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CREATION OF “THE PLASTIC BAG RECYCLING
ACT OF 2010” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as “The Plastic Bag Recycilng Act of 2010.”

SEC. 2. State Policy. Itis the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

SEC. 3. Purpose. To encourage the use of reusable bags by consumers and retailers
and to reduce the consumption of single-use bags, and to require an at-store recycling program
for plastic bags.

SEC. 4. Objective. To determine and implement programs that maximize material
reuse and recycling and programs that use energy efficient recycling process.

SEC. 5. Coverage. A retail establishment that provides plastic carryout bags to its
customers as a result of the sale of consumer goods.

SEC. 6. At-Store Recycling Program. The operator of the store shall establish an at-
store recycling program pursuant to the provisions of this Act that provides an opportunity for
the public to return to the store plastic carryout bags from retail store or any other retail source.

SEC. 7. Penalties. Any operator who violates any provision of this Act shall be
punished by a fine not to exceed P50,000.00 for the first offense; by a fine not to exceed
P 100,000.00 for the second offense and by a fine not to exceed P150,000.00 for the third and
each subsequent offense committed in any twelve-month period. Each day that an operator
fails to comply with this Act shail constitute a separate and distinct violation.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) together with the stakeholders and other related government


agencies and entities shall promulgate the rules and regulations as it deems necessary and
appropriate for the implementation and enforcement of any provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved,