Business firms may soon be required to build own composting areas

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue City Council has approved a resolution on first reading requiring business and industrial establishments to construct and manage their own composting facilities.

The ordinance, introduced by City Councilor Demetrio Cortes,Jr., states that as in most cities, Mandaue has been grappling with problems concerning garbage management, irresponsible and indiscriminate dumping of waste, and a disorganized collection system.

Mandaue wants to introduce an innovative program on garbage management in order to lure more investors to the city.

The proposed ordinance states that the program rests on the principle that solid waste management is not the sole responsibility of the local government but rather a shared obligation with the community.

Composting of solid waste is composed of food remnants and yard trimmings and if these materials are diverted to another use that keeps them out of the trash, a sig-nificant portion of the city's everyday waste could be recovered for reuse, the resolution said.

The proposal said grass clippings, food scraps, and yard waste are all ideal materials to add to a compost pile.

"This means that starting one is about more than just creating a great soil booster for your garden or farm - it can cut down on your waste output as well," it added.

The proposed ordinance aims to supplement the provisions of existing laws and ordinances related to Solid Waste Management (SWM) and help enhance ecological balance of the community through sustainable and integrated waste management.

Under the proposal, if a person has been apprehended for committing a violation on any of the provisions, a citation ticket will be issued by the treasurer of the baran-gay where the violation has been committed.

The business and industrial establishments operating without the required composting facility faces automatic closure, and the business permit of the operator will be cancelled and the establishment padlocked.

Transportation and dumping of mixed solid wasted in bulk shall be punished by a fine of P5,000.

Any public utility vehicle and private vehicle caught transporting and dumping wastes on vacant lots, streets, alleys, sidewalks, highways, and other public places, owner/operator and driver of such shall be penalized with the following:

For first offense, violators shall pay P500 and with one hour orientation seminar on Solid Waste Management Act.

For second offense violators shall pay P1,000 and render Community Service to the barangay where they have violated.

For the third offense, the violator shall pay a fine of P1,500 and shall attend one hour orientation seminar of the Solid Waste Management Law. (FREEMAN)