Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on Wednesday warned all clinics, laboratories, businesses and corporations in the city their operations would be closed and charges would be filed against them over improper disposal of wastes particularly those hazardous.
“Failure to properly dispose hazardous waste would face closure orders, and charges for improper waste management will be filed against them,” Domagoso said.
The Manila mayor issued the stern warning after used rapid test kits were found scattered along M. Dela Fuente Street in Sampaloc, Manila Tuesday night.
CCTV footage provided by the mayor showed the kits fell from a punctured garbage bag attached on a pedicab.
Domagoso assured the Manila City government’s health department and six district hospitals had been strictly complying with protocols on disposal of hazardous waste, including used rapid test kits.
Furthermore, he said the Manila City government and the Manila Police District had started its investigation to determine those responsible for improperly disposing used rapid test kits in the city.
Domagoso said in an at the Quirino grandstand there must be people responsible, adding “We can locate maybe the clinic, maybe a private office, maybe a hospital, or maybe a laboratory. [The MPD said] they are looking already into who might be esponsible.”
After the incident in Sampaloc was reported to the Manila City government, Domagoso immediately ordered the Manila Department of Public Services to properly dispose the scattered used rapid test kits.
“We sent our DPS to immediately clean the used rapid testing kit. The good news, at least we know it wasn’t deliberate,” he said.
Domagoso emphasized the Manila City government had stopped using rapid test kits since July 15 after they were able to purchase COVID-19 serology testing machines from American healthcare firm Abbott.
“The City Government of Manila, which includes the Manila Health Department and its six district hospitals, has halted the use of rapid test kits since July 15, 2020, which is when the city has already started its free drive-thru serology testing,” the Mayor said in a statement.
Domagoso said the local government strictly complied with Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1999) and Republic Act 9003 (Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000) in disposing used rapid test kits.
“We are compliant with the mandate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the proper disposal of hazardous and infectious waste, which is a strict requirement to be granted a license to operate from the Department of Health annually,” Domagoso said.
“Hazardous waste disposal is done through DENR-accredited hazardous waste service contractors, which is in charge in the treatment, storage and disposal of all hazardous and infectious waste generated in all health centers and district hospitals in the City of Manila,” he said.
The Mayor also pointed out that “all wastes generated are properly handled and treated prior to its final disposal.”
“Biohazard wastes and other infectious waste materials such as syringes, sharps and test kits are placed in puncture-proof plastic containers with 10-percent Clorox,” Domagoso said.
“Test tubes, gloves, cotton balls, pipette tips and used PPEs (personal protective equipment) are placed in a yellow plastic bag,” he added.
