SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) – The city government of Sorsogon has deputized barangay personnel and national law enforcement agencies to issue violation tickets under its new garbage ordinance.
These enforcement officers (EOs) will fine residents who won’t comply with the newly enacted Sorsogon City Ecological Solid Waste Management Enforcement Ordinance, according to its author, City Councilor Angelu Magda Ravanilla.
Penalties for individuals include a P5,000 fine, community service or imprisonment of seven days.
On the other hand, businesses violating the law will be meted out the following penalties: a fine of P500 for the first offense; a fine of P1,000 for the second offense; a fine of P1,500 and revocation of the business permit for the third offense.
For the fourth offense, a fine of P5,000 will be imposed, along with a permanent ban from operating in Sorsogon City.
The same penalties apply to public utility buses, vehicles, and sea vessels.
But for the fourth offense, an additional penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding a franchise will be meted out.
Under the ordinance, residents should not throw their trash anywhere, especially in public areas.
They are prohibited from dumping waste in public places, burning solid waste in open spaces, and squatting in dumpsites.
The ordinance also bans the mixing of recyclable materials with other waste and the unauthorized removal of recyclable items.
Transporting and dumping waste in unapproved areas, as well as not having properly labeled garbage bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes in businesses and public vehicles, are also prohibited.
Garbage is classified into four categories: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, residual waste, and special waste.
Biodegradable waste includes leftover food, fruits, vegetables, and paper.
Non-biodegradable waste consists of canned goods, utensils, bottles, styrofoam, and plastics.
Residual waste includes items such as napkins, diapers, rags, and tissues.
Special waste encompasses items like batteries, paints, light bulbs, machines, gadgets, and cell phones.
Ravanilla said that the EOs are currently in training and will begin issuing environmental violation receipts (EVRs) after the May 12 elections
The issuance of EVRs has received support from the Sorsogon City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
Franz Luigi Lugena, a senior environmental management specialist at CENRO, emphasized that laws related to solid waste management need to be more stringent.
Sorsogon City is projected to generate about 47,617 kilograms (47 metric tons) of waste daily in 2025, primarily from public markets. (PIA 5/Sorsogon)
