REPUBLIC ACT 9003

ES 09 B2

Solid waste management is one among the basic essential services provided
by municipal authorities in the country to keep urban centers clean. Waste is
littered all over leading to insanitary living conditions. Municipal laws governing the
urban local bodies do not have adequate provisions to deal effectively with the ever-
growing problem of solid waste management. With rapid urbanization, the situation
is becoming critical.

Philippines Republic Act 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of

2000 a landmark environmental legislation in the Philippines. The law was crafted in
response to the looming garbage problems in the country. There are three important
points of RA 9003.

Solid waste management is represented as a discipline related to the

management of generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing,
and disposal of solid wastes. The style by that these activities are conducted shall
be in unison with the most effective principles of public health, economics,
engineering, conservation, aesthetics, alternative environmental concerns, and
public attitudes. The Act provides for a comprehensive ecological solid waste
management program by making the required institutional mechanisms and
incentives, appropriating funds, declaring bound acts prohibited, and providing
penalties.

Local government units shall adopt the systematic, comprehensive and

ecological solid waste management program that shall guarantee protection of
public health and environment; utilize environmentally sound methods; set targets
and tips for solid waste turning away and reduction; guarantee correct segregation,
collection, transport and storage of solid waste; promote national analysis and
development programs for improved Solid Waste Management; encourage larger
sector participation; retain primary social control and responsibility of Solid Waste
Management with government units; encourage cooperation and self-regulation
among waste generators; send public participation; and strengthen the combination
of ecological Solid Waste Management, resource conservation and recovery topics
into the educational curriculum.

The Act provided a special account in the National Treasury called the Solid
Waste Management Fund. This will be sourced from fines and penalties imposed,
proceeds of permits and licenses, donations, endowments, grants and contributions
and amount allocated under the annual General Appropriations Act. The Fund will be
utilized to finance products, facilities, technologies, and processes that would
enhance proper solid waste management; awards and incentives; research
programs; information, education, communication and monitoring activities;
technical assistance; and capability building activities.

Human activities contribute considerably in waste management. Recognizing the

results of improper management, garbage crisis is prevented by active waste
characterization and segregation at supply, correct assortment and transfer,
recycling, and composting as mandated by the law.