Quezon City bans single-use plastics, joins growing regional push against pollution

PHILIPPINES – Quezon City has officially banned single-use plastics and disposable materials within City Hall premises and government-run establishments, aligning with broader regional efforts to combat plastic pollution across Asia.

Effective 21 April 2025, through Executive Order No. 3, Series of 2025, the directive covers a range of commonly used disposables, including plastic bags, PET bottles, styrofoam containers, plastic and paper cups, disposable cutlery, and other packaging materials.

The order applies to all employees and requires them to bring reusable containers and eco-bags for purchases within and around government buildings.

While visitors may still receive food in disposable containers, they cannot bring it inside the buildings.

Food deliveries are permitted only if packaging is returned to designated recycling stations, with plastic-packaged deliveries banned outright.

The measure reinforces the existing Green Public Procurement Ordinance (SP-3107, S-2021), which encourages the elimination of single-use plastics at city-led events and promotes the adoption of sustainable alternatives.

To ensure compliance and clarity, the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (CCESD) and General Services Department (GSD) conducted orientation sessions for stakeholders and vendors.

Non-compliance by mobile vendors will result in penalties, while city employees and officials may face formal disciplinary actions.

Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized the health and environmental threats posed by plastics, “Non-biodegradable and single-use plastics take thousands of years to break down, polluting our land and waterways.

“Microplastics are now found in our food, drinking water, and soil, posing serious health risks. This is why Quezon City is pioneering long-term policies to reduce plastic use and advance sustainability. We hope this inspires other local governments and institutions to follow suit.”

Regional momentum builds

Quezon City joins a growing number of cities and countries across Asia enacting strict anti-plastic policies:

India implemented a nationwide ban in 2022 on single-use plastic items such as straws, cutlery, packaging films, and stirrers.

Thailand banned plastic bags in major retailers starting in 2020, with plans to eliminate all single-use plastics by 2027.

Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, began phasing out plastic bags in supermarkets and traditional markets in 2020, pushing for reusable alternatives.

Vietnam aims to ban the production and use of single-use plastics in urban markets by 2030.

In Malaysia, several states including Penang and Selangor have introduced phased bans, while the national government supports a zero single-use plastic roadmap.

These policies reflect a regional shift towards circular economy models and environmental stewardship, as governments respond to mounting evidence of plastic pollution’s impact on marine life, human health, and ecosystems.

With Quezon City’s bold move, the Philippines strengthens its commitment to sustainability, setting an example for urban centers in the fight against plastic waste.

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