Office of the secretat TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session FEB -5 P2:58 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1770 Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL AND CLEAN PUBLIC SPACE, MANDATING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC TRASH BINS EVERY 100 METERS, STRENGTHENING LOCAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that,
"The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature." Improper solid waste disposal remains a persistent and visible problem in many parts of the country, particularly in public roads, streets, transport terminals, markets, and other high-traffic areas. Littering and the lack of accessible waste disposal facilities contribute not only to environmental degradation but also to serious public health and safety concerns. One of the most direct and devastating consequences of improper waste disposal is flooding. Discarded plastics, food waste, and other debris clog drainage systems, waterways, and esteros, preventing the natural flow of rainwater. During periods of heavy rainfall, these blockages result in flash floods that damage homes, disrupt livelihoods, spread waterborne diseases, and endanger lives-especially in densely populated urban communities. The recurring flooding experienced in many localities is not solely a problem of infrastructure, but also of waste discipline and management.
Despite the existence of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003), the absence of readily available public trash bins discourages proper waste disposal and undermines enforcement efforts against littering. Many citizens are willing to comply with waste management rules, but the lack of accessible disposal options in public spaces makes compliance difficult, if not impractical. This bill seeks to mandate all local government units to install and maintain public trash bins at regular intervals in public areas. It also authorizes LGUs to impose fines and penalties for littering and for damage to public trash bins, with the assurance that all collected funds will be used solely to sustain solid waste management programs. By improving waste disposal infrastructure and strengthening local enforcement, this measure aims to reduce flooding, protect the environment, promote cleanliness, and safeguard public health. This is a practical step toward cleaner, safer, and more resilient communities. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is urgently sought. Camellisten CAMILLE A. VILLAR
sellate Office of the see eary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 26 FEB-5 P2:58 SENATE 1770 RECEIVED BY: S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROMOTING RESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL AND CLEAN PUBLIC SPACE, MANDATING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC TRASH BINS EVERY 100 METERS, STRENGTHENING LOCAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Basura sa Basurahan Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State recognizes the vital role of local government units (LGUs) in promoting environmental protection, public health, sanitation, and discipline in public spaces. To this end, the State shall ensure the accessibility of waste disposal facilities in public areas and promote sustainable solid waste management through locally responsive measures.
Sec. 3. Mandatory Installation of Public Trash Bins. - All provinces, cities,
municipalities, and barangays are hereby mandated to install public trash bins at intervals of every one hundred (100) meters along: a) National, provincial, city, municipal, and barangay roads; b) Public streets, sidewalks and pedestrian walkways; c) Public markets, transport terminals, parks, plazas and similar public spaces; and d) Other areas with significant pedestrian traffic as may be determined by the LGU.
Sec. 4. Standards and Maintenance. - The trash bins to be installed under this
Act shall: a) Be durable, weather resistant, and appropriately labeled; b) Allow for waste segregation in accordance with existing environmental laws; c) Be regularly collected, cleaned, repaired and replaced as necessary; and d) Be strategically placed so as not to obstruct traffic, pedestrians, or persons with disabilities. The LGUs shall be responsible for the regular maintenance and collection of waste from said trash bins.
Sec. 5. Authority to Enact Local Ordinances on Fines and Penalties. - LGUs
are hereby authorized and mandated to enact ordinances prescribing fines, penalties and other administrative sanctions for: a) Littering or improper disposal of waste in public places; and b) Vandalism, theft, or destruction of public trash bins. The determination of the amount of fines, nature of penalties, and procedures for enforcement shall be within the authority of the LGU, subject to existing laws and due process requirements.
Sec. 6. Use of Collected Fines and Penalties. - All funds collected from fines
and penalties imposed pursuant to ordinances enacted under this Act shall be earmarked exclusively for: a) The installation, repair, and replacement of public trash bins; b) Waste collection and hauling services; c) Information, education, and communication campaigns on proper waste disposal; d) Support for barangay and community-based solid waste management programs; and e) Other activities necessary to ensure the sustainability and effective implementation of this Act. Such funds shall not revert to the general fund and shall be treated as a special account for environmental sanitation and solid waste management.
Sec. 7. Role of Barangays. - Barangays shall assist in the implementation of
this Act within their respective jurisdictions, including monitoring compliance, reporting damaged or missing trash bins, and supporting enforcement of local ordinances.
Sec. 8. implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of the Interior
and Local Government (DILG), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies, shall issue non-binding guidelines to assist LGUs in the effective implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
Sec. 9. Appropriations. - The initial funding for the implementation of this Act
shall be provided by the National Government in the amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos (P500,000,000.00), to be sourced from the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of the year following the effectivity of this Act. Such amount shall be allocated to eligible local government units in accordance with guidelines to be issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), prioritizing areas with high population density, pedestrian traffic, and solid waste management challenges. Thereafter, funds generated pursuant to Section 6 of this Act, as well as appropriations from LGU budgets, shall be used to sustain its continued implementation.
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in force and effect.
Sec. 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, proclamations, issuances, or
ordinances contrary or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are amended, repealed, or modified accordingly.
Sec. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever comes earlier. Approved,