Abaday pushes for take-back scheme on e-commerce plastic waste

TO establish a structured approach for reducing the scourge of e-commerce plastic waste in the city, Councilor Roger Abaday has proposed an ordinance requiring e-commerce and delivery platforms to implement a plastic packaging "take back" scheme.

During the 119th regular session of the 20th City Council, Abaday reported about the staggering volume of plastic waste generated by online shopping and delivery services.

“We must rise to the challenge of addressing one of today’s environmental concern on the mounting problem of plastic wastes that come from e-commerce and delivery services,” Abaday stated.

He cited the example of Quezon City, which has established a local program encouraging e-commerce platforms and logistics companies to adopt a take back mechanism for plastic packaging waste. Through its trash-to-cash initiative, collection points for used plastic packaging have been made accessible to the public.

According to Abaday, such initiatives demonstrate the role of both public and private sectors in promoting a circular economy.

The proposed ordinance is aligned with Republic Act No. 11898, or the Expanded Producer Responsibility Act of 2022, which mandates large enterprises to recover and recycle plastic packaging waste.

Under such measure, e-commerce and delivery platforms operating in Cagayan de Oro would be required to establish collection points at warehouses, delivery hubs, or other locations where customers can return plastic packaging materials.

These platforms must also engage accredited waste management firms to ensure the proper recycling and processing of the collected waste.

“The platforms shall educate their customers about the importance of recycling and promote a take back scheme by providing incentives such as discounts, coupons, or loyalty points for customers who participate in the plastic packaging recovery program,” Abaday pointed out.

Additionally, companies will be required to submit an annual report to the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), which will detail the volume and type of plastic waste recovered, the recycling methods used, and data on consumer participation.

Abaday further proposed incentives for companies that comply with the ordinance, including public recognition as eco-friendly businesses and possible local tax discounts, subject to the assessment of the City Treasurer’s Office.

Further deliberation of his committee on environment will be calendared for the purpose. (FDCalotes/SP/Photo grabbed from delivery app website)