[Thematic Report] Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme in the Philippinesby Catherine Shim | 01-03-2021 17:58 |
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Plastic waste is a big issue in the Philippines as the country is the third largest global contributor to the eight million tons of plastics that enter our oceans annually. This problem is mainly attributed to the massive plastic consumption but lack of collection and recycling infrastructure that can allow recycling of these materials. At the same time, many impoverished families in the Philippines rely on small single use items that are mainly packaged by plastic materials. Despite the wide use of plastics, it has been hard to find any active recycling companies that would become accountable for their own products. In response to this, WWF Philippines has proposed a scheme where producers would be held responsible for their products, especially regarding the waste that they may be potentially creating.
In their recent proposal, WWF Philippines has suggested a EPR scheme, or the Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, which aims to "stop the flow of plastic into nature by 2030." This places extended responsibility upon companies to become accountable of their products beyond their consumption. It demands companies to become responsible of the disposal and recycling as well. Under this scheme, manufacturing companies are required to coordinate with other firms and government to organize proper disposal of their waste. Manufacturing firms are pushed to incorporate eco-design principles to their packaging to reduce materials and ease reuse and reduce of the product. This will hopefully foster a culture of recycling in the Philippines and make recycling more accessible and easier for many people. Works Cited Gozum, Iya. ¡°A Long-Term Plan to Fix the Philippines' Plastic Waste Problem.¡± Rappler, Rappler, 18 Feb. 2021, www.rappler.com/environment/plan-fix-philippines-plastic-problem. |
