Overview
Republic Act No. 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishes a comprehensive national and local framework for solid waste management in the Philippines, detailing institutional mechanisms, responsibilities, prohibited acts, penalties, and incentives to ensure ecological protection and resource conservation.
Declaration of Policies and Definitions
- The Act adopts a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological approach to solid waste management.
- It emphasizes public health, environmental protection, resource conservation, reduction, recycling, and re-use.
- Key terms like agricultural waste, composting, hazardous waste, open dump, recycling, sanitary landfill, segregation, and solid waste management are defined.
Institutional Mechanisms and Roles
- Creation of the National Solid Waste Management Commission under the Office of the President, including government and private sector representatives.
- Commission oversees implementation, policy-making, technical support, fund management, and review of local plans.
- Establishment of the National Ecology Center for consulting, training, and information services.
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) chairs the Commission and ensures implementation and enforcement.
- Local Government Units (LGUs) bear primary responsibility for implementing the Act within their jurisdictions.
Local Solid Waste Management Boards and Planning
- Provincial, city, and municipal solid waste management boards are established to create, integrate, and monitor management plans.
- Each LGU must develop a 10-year solid waste management plan in line with the national framework, updated annually.
- Plans must address city/municipal profiles, waste characterization, collection and transfer, processing, reduction, recycling, composting, disposal, education, special waste, funding, privatization, and incentive programs.
Solid Waste Diversion, Segregation, Collection, and Transport
- LGUs must achieve at least 25% waste diversion from disposal facilities within five years, increasing every three years.
- Segregation at source is mandatory for all waste generators.
- Collection and transport protocols require proper training, equipment, sorting, and vehicle standards.
Recycling and Composting Programs
- Market inventories for recyclables and composts to be established and updated.
- Eco-labeling and reclamation programs mandated.
- LGUs must establish Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every barangay or cluster.
Waste Management Facilities and Disposal
- Prohibition on open dumps; transition to controlled dumps within three years, and only sanitary landfills after five years.
- Strict criteria for siting, constructing, and operating sanitary landfills, with regular monitoring and reporting.
Incentives and Financing
- Fiscal incentives (tax and duty exemptions, credits) and non-fiscal incentives provided for LGUs and private entities undertaking solid waste projects.
- Grants and financial assistance available to approved programs.
- Establishment of a Solid Waste Management Fund for program support.
Prohibited Acts and Penalties
- Activities such as littering, open burning, improper disposal, and use of non-environmentally acceptable packaging are prohibited.
- Specific fines and penalties are outlined, with increased penalties for repeat offenses and corporate/foreign violators.
Implementation, Enforcement, and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Mandatory public hearings for planning.
- Citizens are empowered to file suit against violators or non-compliant officials.
- Research, education, and business sector engagement are mandated.
- Appropriations, implementing rules, and oversight mechanisms are detailed.
Decisions
- Establishment of National and Local Solid Waste Management Boards.
- Mandatory segregation and waste diversion targets set.
- Ban on open dumps and transition to sanitary landfills required.
Action Items
- Within 6 months – DENR and DOH: Prepare National Solid Waste Management Status Report.
- Within 1 year – Commission: List non-environmentally acceptable products and issue IRR.
- Within 3 years – LGUs: Convert open dumps to controlled dumps.
- Within 5 years – LGUs: Eliminate controlled dumps, achieve 25% waste diversion.
- Annual – Commission: Report to Congress on progress and recommendations.