Mayor Joy Belmonte said the ban on plastic bags in Quezon City will resume on March 1, part of a larger bid to completely ban single-use plastics in Metro Manila's biggest city.
The ban was first implemented in Jan. 2020 but temporarily lifted in May due to lockdown adjustments.
The city requires all shopping malls, supermarkets, fast food chains, drug stores and other registered businesses in the city to "cease the distribution and/or provision of plastic bags to their customers".
It urges the public to start bringing their own reusable bags when shopping.
“We will not allow the retailers to use plastic bags anymore at the check out counters. Kailangan nang magdala ng mamimili ng sarili nilang reusable bags,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement
For now, brown paper bags may be used in groceries and other retail stores but starting 2022, it will also be prohibited in full implementation of the ordinance.
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Starting July 1, the city will also be enforcing a ban on disposable and single use plastics in restaurants and hotels for dine in transactions. For food delivery and take out orders, a “by-request protocol” must be adopted.
Hotels will be prohibited from distributing soap, shampoo, shower gels, liquid soap, conditioners, and other items used for hygienic purposes in sachets and single-use containers.
“There is a pressing need to strengthen the city’s efforts in response to the global movement to reduce plastic wastes. Our call to action is also in fulfillment of the city’s international commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience. With the re-implementation of the plastic bag ban, we hope to promote sustainable practices in the city,” Belmonte said.
Failure to comply with the policy will entail a penalty of P1,000 for first offense, P3,000 and revocation of environmental and business permit for second offense, and a P5,000 and business permit revocation and a closure order for third offense.
