REPUBLIC ACT 9003: THE ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ACT OF

2000
For solid waste management, DENR’s priority activities are the following: (1) closure of
dumpsites; and (2) establishment of material recovery facilities (MRFS)

The Philippines has endeavored to improve its management of solid waste through the
passage of RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act that provides for a
systematic, comprehensive and ecological waste management program to ensure the
protection of public health and the environment. It mandates the bureau to provide
secretariat support to the National Solid Waste Management Commission in the
implementation of the solid waste management plans and prescribes policies to achieve
the objectives of the National Ecology Center that is in charge of information
dissemination, consultation, education and training of various local government units on
ecological waste management.

The ecological solid waste management program is expected to assist Local Government
Units in implementing RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
particularly in the development of their 10 yr. SWM Plan, closure and rehabilitation of
dumpsites, establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities, and an environmentally sound
disposal system.

The issuance of Guidelines and provisions of technical support in the establishment and
operation of Waste to Energy facilities will enhance the sustainability of disposal system
for municipal residual wastes to all provinces and highly urbanized areas. The significant
contribution of this project is expected to enhance the economic development of the
country through formalizing the waste collection and recycling, and promotion of job
opportunities. It also helps the economy to reduce reliance on imported oils and increased
in power generation.

RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act institutes measures

to promote a more acceptable system which corresponds to the vision of sustainable
development. It also aims to merge environmental protection with economic pursuits,
recognizing the re-orientation of the community’s view on solid waste, thereby providing
schemes for waste minimization, volume reduction, resource recovery utilization and
disposal.

Objectives: Zero Basura

• Reduction of wastes being generated

• Reduction of wastes to be disposed, via:
a. recycling
b. composting
undertaken through materials recovery facilities (MRF)
• Safe disposal of residual wastes (e.g., sanitary landfill or eco-center)

• Mandatory segregation at source (section 21 RA 9003)

 • Mandatory segregated collection; section 1 rule x, IRR)
• Establishment of materials recovery facilities
• Closure/conversion of open dumps to CDF (sec.37) final disposal systems

NSWMC Members shall oversee the implementation of solid waste management plans
and prescribe policies to achieve the objectives of the RA 9003.

Government Sector:

• Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Chairman)

• Department of the Interior and Local Government
• Department of Science and Technology
• Department of Public Works and Highways
• Department of Health
• Department of Trade and Industry
• Philippine Institute of Architects
• Department of Agriculture
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority League of Provinces
• League of Cities
• League of Municipalities
• Liga ng mga Barangay
• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

Private Sector

• Representative from the NGO sector

• Representative from the recycling industry
• Representative from the manufacturing/packaging industry

National Ecology Center and Regional Ecology Centers

• Training and education

• Data base
• National Recycling Network
• Models
Role of the LGU

• primarily responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of

this Act within their respective jurisdictions
• barangay level shall conduct segregation and collection of solid waste for
biodegradable, compostable and reusable wastes
• municipality or city shall be responsible for the collection of non-recyclable
materials and special wastes

Creation of the SWM Boards/Committees at the Local Government Level

• Mandatory Segregation at Source (Section 21 – 22)

• Collection and transport of Solid Wastes (Section 23-25)
• Recycling Program (section 26-33)
➢ Eco-Labelling
➢ Reclamation and buy-back centers for recyclables
➢ Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products
➢ Recycling Market Development
➢ Establishment of LGU MRF
• Waste Management Facilities (Section 36-42)
• Prohibition against the use of open dumps for solid waste
• Siting, establishment and operating a sanitary landfill
• National solid waste management status report
• National solid waste management framework
• Local government solid waste management plans
• Waste diversion

Recycling Program

1. Eco-Labelling. Coding system for packaging materials and products to facilitate waste
recycling and reuse.

2. Reclamation and buy-back centers for recyclables. To provide separate collection

system or convenient drop-off locations for recyclable materials.
3. Prohibition on the Use of Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products

4. Recycling Market Development. Establishment of procedures, standards and

strategies to market recyclable materials and develop local market.

5. Establishment of LGU MRF. To receive mixed waste for final sorting, segregation,
composting and recycling.

Waste Management Facilities

Section 37. Prohibition Against the use of Open Dumps for Solid Waste

No open dumps shall be established and operated, nor any practice or disposal of solid
waste by any person, including LGUs, which constitutes the use of open dumps for solid
waste, be allowed after the effectivity of this Act: Provided that within three (3) years after
the effectivity of this Act, every LGU shall convert its open dumps into controlled dumps,
in accordance with the guidelines set in Section 41 of this Act: Provided, further, That no
controlled dumps shall be allowed five (5) years following the effectivity of this Act.

Solid Waste Management Financing Incentives and Cost Recovery

1. Incentives

• Fiscal incentives
• Non-fiscal incentives

2. National Solid Waste Management Fund

Special account in the National treasury to finance:

➢ products, facilities technologies and processes to enhance proper SWM;

awards and incentives; research programs; IEC; technical assistance;
capability building activities

3. Local solid waste management fund

4. Authority to collect SWM fees

Citizens Suits (Sec. 52)

Any citizen may file an appropriate civil, criminal or administrative action against:

• Any person who violates or fails to comply with the provisions of the Act or its
IRR; or
• The DENR or other implementing agencies with respect to orders, rules and
regulations issued; or
• Any public officer who willfully or grossly neglects the performance of an act

The Program: Green Movement Agenda

The program calls for a holistic, scientific, rights-based manner of managing the
resources observing the principle of multi-use, decentralization and devolution and active
participation of local government units.

The Zero Basura Action Plan for 2009 calls for the harmonization of various horizontal
and vertical local actions on the management of the environment, with special focus on
solid waste management, the very basic environmental concern that affects and involves
each and every one - from the Uplands to the Coastal Areas.
Executive Order 774 and 785

• provides for 50% reduction of waste generation within 6 months

• development of a National Framework on Climate Change

References:

Republic Act No. 9003 | Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines

Republic Act 9003: The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (denr.gov.ph)

Solid Waste Management (denr.gov.ph)