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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE 0F REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HOUSHB|LLNo.9893
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Introduced by Representative Jaime R Fresnedi
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This   proposed   measure   represents   a   crucial   legislative   effort   to   address   the
indiscriminate  disposal  of electronic  waste  (E-Waste)  in  the  Philippines  and  establish  a
comprehensive  framework  for  its  proper management.  It  is  grounded  in the  constitutional
mandate to preserve and protect the environment. It is a piece of legislation that underscores
the need to manage not only common waste products but also electronic waste, emphasizing
the govemment's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship. The bill mandates the
Department  of Environment  and  Natural  Resources  (DENR),  in  collaboration  with  the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Science and
Technology  (DOST), to formulate and develop a systematic approach for E-waste disposal
throughout the country through the establishment of at least one E-waste Disposal Facility
(EDF) in every province.
The management of E-waste is a critical global concern. According to a report by the
Global E-waste Monitor, approximately 53.6 million metric tons of E-waste were generated
worldwide in 2019, with this number projected to reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030. 1 E-
waste often contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury; and brominated flame retardants,
which can leach into the environment if not properly handled. This contamination can adversely
affect ecosystems and human health. Moreover, the informal recycling of E-waste, which is
prevalent in many countries, further exacerbates the problem. It often involves the burning of
electronic components, releasing toxic  fumes  into the atmosphere and resulting in soil and
water   pollution.   The   global   E-waste   crisis   necessitates   a   proactive   approach   to   its
management.2
In the Philippines, the escalating use of electronic devices and appliances has led to a
corresponding  increase  in  E-waste  generation.  The  country  generates  an  estimated  3.9
kilograms  of E-waste per person per year as  recorded  in 2019,  amounting to  a significant
1    "SURGE    IN    GLOBAL    E-WASTE,    UP    21    PER    CENT    IN    5    YEARS,"    The    Global    E-Waste    Statistics    Partnership,    June    2,    2020,
https..//globalewaste.org/news/surge-global-waste/.
2        "The        Growing        Environmental        Risks        of        E-Waste,"        Geneva         Environment        Network,        January        16,        2023,
https://www.genevaenvjronmentnet\^rork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/.


environmental challenge.3 Many Filipinos may not be fully aware of the environmental risks
associated with E-waste or the importance of responsible disposal.
Furthermore, the inappropriate disposal of E-waste in the Philippines can have adverse
effects on the environment. The toxic components within E-waste can contaminate soil and
water  sources,  leading  to  potential  health  hazards  for  communities  in  proximity  to  waste
disposal sites.4
The  "E-waste  Disposal  Act"  is  a  vital  piece  of legislation  designed  to  address  the
responsible  disposal  of electronic  waste,  aligning  with the  broader  goals  of environmental
protection  and  conservation.  The  bill  establishes  a  clear  legal  framework  and  enforcement
mechanisms,   highlighting   the   government's   commitment   to   fostering   sustainable   and
responsible practices in E-waste management across the Philippines.
Despite the numerous laws which are supposed to cover E-waste, it may be observed
that  nothing  is  actually  being  done  about  the  proper  disposal  of  E-waste.  A  legislation
specifically dealing with this matter is therefore in order so that this ticking environmental time
bomb may be properly addressed.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Lone District, Muntinlupa City
3   "Navigating  the   E-Waste   Landscape   ln   Southeast  Asia,"   Seasia,   July  6,   2023,   https://seasla.co/2023/07/06/navigating-the-e-waste-
landscape-in-southeast-asia.
4        4        I.The        Growing        Environmental        Risks        of        E-Waste,"        Geneva        Environment        Network,        January        16,        2023,
https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/resources/updates/the-growing-environmental-risks-of-e-waste/.


Republic of the Philippines
Housn oF REPRESENTATlvEs
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousEBILLNo.9893
Introduced by Rep. Jaime R. Fresnedi
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRONIC WASTE
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be  it  enacfe.d .by  the  Senate  cnd the  House  Of Represerttatives  Of the  Philippines  in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Sfoorr 7?A/e. -This Act shall be referred to as the "F,1-tiJcfj./p Dz.,Tjpob'c!/ ,4" ".
SEC. 2. Dec/arm/z.o# a/Po/jc}7. -Article 11 of the Philippine Constitution vests in the State
the  ultimate  responsibility  to preserve  and protect the  envirormient.  Towards this  end,  the
proper management not only of common waste products but also of electronic waste must be
fully addressed and given proper attention.
SEC.  3. De¢7eztz.o# a/ rer7#S. -For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be
defined as follows:
(a)   E/ecfro7#.c eg#zpme#/ or e/ecfro#z.es is defined as equipment which is dependent on
electroniccurrentsorelectromagneticfieldsinordertoworkproperlyandequipment
for the generation, transfer and measurement of such currents and fields;
(b)  E/ectro#z.c wcrsfe or E-wcrs/a is defined as any discarded products with a battery or
plug, and features toxic and hazardous substances such as mercury;
(c)   E-wc}sfe dz.spasc7//crcz./ztz.es or EDF are facilities that accept and process e-waste from
consumers and manufacturers;
SEC. 4. Pro¢j.b[tJ.o#. ~ The indiscriminate disposal of electronic waste with other solid
waste products is hereby prohibited. No garbage or waste collecting agent shall accept any e-
waste  from  end  users  in  both  residential  and  commercial  establishments  in  their  area  of
jurisdiction  except  under  the  system  formulated  and  developed  by  the  Department  of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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SEC.  5.  E-i4;as./c  Dj.sp. oscr/.  -  The  DENR  in  cooperation  and  consultation  with  the
Department of Interior and Local  Government (DILG)  and the Department of Science  and
Technology (DOST) shall formulate and develop a system for the disposal of e-waste in the
country.
There shall be established in every province at least one E-waste Disposal Facility (EDF).
The pi.ovincial government shall consult officials of local government units (LGUs) within its
jui.isdiction on wliere such a facility shall be located and established in order to best serve all
the LGUs  in  the province.  For the National  Capital' Region OrcR),  two  (2)  EDFs  shall  be
established.
SEC. 6. PG7?c7//z.es.  -Any violation of the prohibitions set forth in Section 4 her.eof shall
be  punished  with  a  fine  of not  less  than Ten  Thousand  Pesos  (Plo,000.00)  for  individual
violators   and   a   fine   not   exceeding   One   Hundred   Thousand   Pesos   (P100,000.00)   for
coxpol.ations or commercial establishments.
SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations.  -The Deparwhe" o£ Environi:neat and
Natural Resources (DENR) in cooperation and consultation with the Department of Inter.ior
and Local Government (DILG) and the Depatment of Science and Technology (DOST), shall
pi.omulgate the rules and I.egulations for. the proper implementation of this Act within six (6)
months from its effectivity.
SEC. 8. i4pprap;i¢rz.o#s. -The budgetary requirement needed for the implementation of
this Act shall be charged to the budgets of pi.ovincial, city aiid municipal goverrments.
SEC.   9.   Sep¢rc}b;./i.fy   C/crwse.   -   If  any   provision   of  this  Act   shall   be   deemed
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected there shall I.emain in for.ce and
effect.
SEC.   10.  JiepL.c7/J.ng  C/c}#se.  -All  Acts,  Presidential  Decrees,  Executive  Orders  and
Administi.ative Orders, Rules and Regulations and other such issuances or paris thereof which
ai.e inconsistent with the pi.ovisions of this Act ai.e her.eby I.epealed or modified accordiiigly.
Approved,
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