Calbayog City implements "No Tag, No Collection" garbage policy

By NINFA B. QUIRANTE, PIA-Samar
May 6, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar  –  Calbayog City implements "No tag, no collection policy" that started in May 2, 2006 to ensure that the city maintains its being clean consistent with its Galing Pook Award in the past.

Based on leaflets distributed by the city government through the City Solid Waste Management Office Chairman Rodolfo Aquino, the scheme suggested three tag colors for garbage to be collected.

It likewise mandated that any establishment, be residential, commercial or industrial must have three garbage containers where a green tag is placed for biodegradable; red for non-biodegradable and yellow for hazardous waste materials with matching Waray translations.

The program, said Aquino was formulated in the context of the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) of the city that the operation of garbage collection is based on the utilization of tags.

It is the tag, the chair said that will determine whether the generator of the garbage is compliant with the mandate of the city's ISWM ordinance as well as the provision on segregation of waste at source.

The chairman further noted that with the policy, several advantages will be attained if zealously enforced and observed.

According to a document obtained by PIA, the program aims to convert residents to initiate their own solid waste management in accordance with existing laws to lessen the cost of their waste disposal. It also aims to reduce the volume of garbage including expenses incurred in garbage collection and at the same time create awareness and solid waste responsible people.

Tags for waste generated by households are available in two denominational values that conspicuously appear on the face of each tag, it said. Smaller bags require P1.50 while a 50 kg. sack commands P3.00. The tags are available at the ISWM office.

Wastes generated by businesses and non-business establishments shall be required of tags which bear no denominational value. Only the distinctive color code is necessary to determine which type of waste is contained, it added.

The document also said that to avoid spillage, sanitary containers must be tightly tied or covered. Voluminous heap of wastes need not be tagged. Fees of which shall be referred to the tariff of garbage fees prescribed by the ISWM ordinance.

All sacks, bags, and/or boxes of wastes brought outside for collection but are not properly tagged shall be left behind.