The Environment department on Friday reminded the public on the proper management of all kinds of waste amid the Christmas celebration despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because of the pandemic, this holiday season is like no other,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.
“As we hold a more intimate holiday celebration with our immediate families, let’s be extra careful on the safety of our health and the environment by practicing responsibility and sustainability.”
Cimatu underscored the importance of observing proper waste segregation in households during the time of merriment, gift-giving and feasting.
Waste that need to be segregated include those that are compostable, recyclable, non-recyclable and hazardous waste.
Cimatu says food waste should be under the biodegradable or compostable trash bin, while containers that come with it, such as glasses, cans and plastic bottles should be under the recyclable trash bin.
Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units Concerns Benny Antiporda says as online shopping and food delivery continue to rise due to the pandemic, product packaging such as plastic bags, as well as used plastic or paper cups and tetra packs should be segregated as non-recyclable materials.
Used masks, gloves, face shields and other healthcare wastes should be separated as household healthcare waste, while batteries, charging cables and other electrical and electronic equipment should be under household hazardous waste.
“Let’s be more mindful of what we buy, eat and use and how it will affect the environment,” Antiporda said.
