Pioneering Circularity: Advancing Zero Waste for a Sustainable Future

In the Philippines, the “tingi” culture—buying products in small sachets and single-use plastic bottles—has become deeply ingrained due to affordability and convenience. While this practice helps millions manage daily expenses, it comes at a significant environmental cost. It generates an overwhelming amount of plastic waste that clogs waterways, harms marine life, and pollutes our surroundings.

The Philippines, often labeled as one of the top contributors to ocean plastic waste, faces unique challenges as an archipelagic nation with over 100 million people, 15% of whom live in poverty. This reality raises a critical question: Who is responsible for this crisis—producers, consumers, or both?

Existing Laws and Challenges

The country has long recognized the importance of addressing waste, as evidenced by the passage of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003). This visionary law promotes the “3Rs”—reduce, reuse, recycle—and requires local government units (LGUs) to develop integrated solid waste management plans.

However, implementation has been a persistent challenge. Many LGUs lack the resources, infrastructure, and technical capacity to manage the growing volume of waste effectively. As a result, recyclable materials often end up in landfills, contributing to an ever-growing environmental crisis.

We cannot dig our way out of this problem. It demands systemic change—and that’s where the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law comes in.

The EPR Law: A Bold Step Forward

Enacted in 2023, the EPR Law (RA 11898) shifts the responsibility for plastic waste from governments and consumers to producers, manufacturers, and importers. It requires them to account for the plastic packaging they place on the market and recover it through certified “plastic waste diversion credits.”

These credits, issued by accredited facilities that recycle or process plastics responsibly, ensure that plastic waste is properly diverted from landfills and back into the circular economy. To maintain credibility, all reports undergo external audits, adding a layer of transparency and accountability.

This system is rigorous and, at times, costly—but it’s necessary to tackle the plastic waste crisis effectively. Kudos to the government for taking this decisive step!

EPR Results So Far

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently shared promising results. Atty. Ivy Joyce De Pedro reported during th at the Geocycle Pioneering Circularity event today January 22, 2025, at F1 Hotel Manila BGC, hosted by Holcim Philippines, that in its first year, companies participating in the EPR Law surpassed the initial diversion target of 20%. For 2024, this target has increased to 40%, with results due by the end of July.

To sum up, the total plastic footprint of all registered companies in 2023 amounted to nearly half a billion kilograms (489,121,593.88 kgs), with an average diversion rate of 33.5% (164,049,378.74 kgs) achieved in 2024.

With rising targets and growing footprints, the question remains: Can companies keep up? Are there enough plastics being recycled properly? How do we ensure success?

Collaboration and Behavioral Change Are Key

During the event, Zed Avecilla, EPR Program Director of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), highlighted the importance of collective action:

“With the EPR Law now in place, we have a real opportunity to tackle plastic waste and create more effective waste management systems. But this requires not just systems change but behavioral change as well, from both producers and consumers. To win this battle, we need to lift levels of awareness. Real change begins with transforming the way people think. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices, we can create changemakers who will drive lasting solutions to the plastic waste crisis.”

Innovations in Recycling and Collection

Recycling technologies have improved significantly, offering more solutions than ever before. However, as Holcim Sustainability Head Sam Manlosa Jr. noted during the panel discussion, the quality of feedstock—plastic waste collected from LGUs—is still a challenge. This feedstock, which serves as an alternative fuel for cement production, has shown improvement over the years, but much work remains to ensure its consistency and viability.

Proper collection and segregation remain critical bottlenecks. Addressing these issues will require not only technology but also enhanced collaboration between LGUs, private companies, and communities.

A Call to Action

The plastic waste crisis in the Philippines is complex, with no one-size-fits-all solution. As an archipelagic nation with more than 42,000 barangays, each with its unique challenges, a tailored and collaborative approach is essential.

In the afternoon, a panel discussion was held featuring Florence L. Onda, a microbial oceanographer and associate professor at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI). He is known as the first Filipino to reach the Emden Deep, the third deepest point on Earth.

Are microplastics linked to human diseases and illnesses?

The science surrounding microplastics is still in its infancy. Although studies are progressing, there is a lack of long-term data to conclusively establish that microplastics directly cause diseases like cancer. However, Dr. Onda pointed out that the absence of concrete evidence should not delay our action.

"We cannot afford to wait for definitive evidence," she stressed. "Humans are deeply interconnected with the environment, and the impacts of plastic pollution are already being felt by many."

The effects of plastic pollution are widespread and far-reaching. In the Philippines, more than 50% of the population lives in coastal areas, where fisherfolk—some of the poorest communities—rely on the ocean for their livelihoods. These vulnerable groups are directly impacted by the ongoing crisis.

Anecdotal Evidence of Plastic Pollution's Real-World Impact

Dr. Onda shared a poignant anecdote that underscores the direct consequences of plastic waste. She recalled seeing people carelessly throw trash out of their car windows, unaware that this litter would eventually make its way into rivers, mangroves, and seagrass beds—critical ecosystems on which many Filipinos depend.

"This is not just an isolated issue; it’s a systemic problem," Dr. Onda explained. "What happens to the environment affects us all—especially those who are already the most vulnerable."

The Role of Local Communities in the Fight Against Plastic Waste

The panel discussion also featured Daniel from Circular Explorer, who discussed the importance of community-based initiatives and the role of local citizens in tackling plastic pollution. Stories from communities affected by plastic waste are vital in inspiring change and driving action. By amplifying these narratives, we can raise awareness and encourage collective efforts toward reducing waste.

As Dr. Onda concluded, "These stories matter. We need to tell them to make people aware that plastic pollution is a reality already being experienced by many Filipinos."

The EPR Law is a significant step forward, but we must think beyond compliance. Real progress will come from fostering a mindset shift where all stakeholders—producers, consumers, and the public—recognize their roles in creating a sustainable future.

The road ahead is challenging, but with collaboration, education, and innovation, we can achieve a circular economy and move closer to our ultimate goal: Zero Waste to Nature by 2030.