House bill proposes rice, cash incentives for recyclable waste

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A bill filed in the House of Representatives seeks to reward households and organizations with food or cash incentives for turning over recyclable waste.

House Bill No. 11146, filed by Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas of Quezon City's 5th District, proposes the "Basura to Ayuda Act," an incentivized solid waste redemption and recovery system that would allow households, homeowners' associations, civic organizations and individuals to exchange non-hazardous recyclable materials for food, groceries or cash.

Under the proposed measure, one kilogram of recyclable plastic could be exchanged for one kilogram of commercial-quality rice or its cash equivalent. One kilogram of metal waste, meanwhile, could be exchanged for two kilograms of rice or its cash equivalent.

“Through this bill, we hit two birds with one stone. We take care of our environment while giving aid to our people,” Vargas said in a statement.

Vargas said the proposal was modeled after the Quezon City government's Trash to Cashback program, which rewards residents for participating in waste management initiatives.

The Philippines generates an estimated 61,000 metric tons of solid waste daily, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Plastics account for an estimated 12% to 24% of the country's solid waste, based on DENR data.

Under the bill, the DENR, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry would be tasked with establishing standardized trade-in centers and ensuring consistent exchange rates across communities.

“Turning waste management into a national habit is essential to safeguarding the environment and securing a healthier future for the country,” Vargas said.— MCG, GMA News

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