The City Council has approved the deal between the City government and the Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines for the latter to put bottle collection bins.
The councilors on Thursday’s session passed the resolution to enact the memorandum of agreement on the matter.
Per MOA, Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines would provide 60 units of Coca-Cola and World Without Waste collection bins specifically for the recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and aluminum cans.
Aside from that, two sets of Coca-Cola and World Without Waste bin and bench installation, and a commitment wall will be installed.
These will be installed in three major parks in the city: Ramon Magsaysay Park, People’s Park, and Rizal Park.
The commitment wall will be installed specifically in Ramon Magsaysay Park.
The city government is responsible for the maintenance, branding, and security of the recycling bins and commitment wall.
On the other hand, Coca-Cola is responsible for the provision of recycling bins and commitment wall, coordination with the city government, the Information and Education Campaign and the installation of its materials, shoulder the cost and maintenance of the project, and the periodic inspection of the project.
Proponent Councilor J. Melchor Quitain Jr. said Coca-Cola will collect and recycle the PET bottles by turning it into chairs and tables.
There is a test run already happening with the recycling bins where people can throw their PET bottles and there are samples of tables and chairs already, Quitain said.
When asked about the reason for the initiative, Quitain said it has everything to do with the environment.
“We must protect our environment. Otherwise, what will be the future of the next generation? It’s all pollution, no water no drink, the air to breathe is already polluted. So all of this is to really preparation for the future,” he said.
The project will be effective for one year and it may be extended depending on the agreement between the city government and Coca-Cola.
“This is good for the environment,” Quitain said.
Toxic fumes from recycling plants
Quitain said he is not aware where the recycling plants is but believes it is just located within the city.
“I’m not aware of its location but I think it’s in Davao since shipping PET bottles outside can be costly,” he said. “I think it’s here.”
But the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) said plastic recycling plant is harmful to one’s health.
“Dun sa malayo pa lang na area, naamoy (mo na). Magluha man gud ka. (Tungod sa) plastic nga ginasunog. Magluha ka, magsakit imong ulo. So yun yung problem natin with that,” said Ruel Kenneth Felices, IDIS Partnership Building Officer, in an earlier interview.
When asked about that, Quitain said that if it is proven that recycling plants are harmful, then it must be raised.
“Since they are environmentalists, and they have this data, immediately they should bring it to the attention of whoever,” he said.
Quitain also added that he’s willing to engage in a dialogue with them.
