Plastic Bottles, Bags Top Waste Collected in ICC 2024

Plastic beverage bottles topped the list of collected waste during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2024, highlighting the environmental toll of the country’s sachet economy and lack of waste management discipline.

Held on Sept. 21, 2024, the ICC saw volunteers across Western Visayas gather for the world’s largest environmental volunteer effort, as part of the nationwide event conducted under Proclamation No. 470, s. 2003. Leading the cleanup was DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla, alongside other regional officials.

Plastic beverage bottles accounted for the largest portion of the waste collected, with 7,001 pieces retrieved. This was followed by 5,715 pieces of plastic grocery bags and 5,277 food wrappers, such as those used for coffee and chips. Other waste included 3,724 pieces of miscellaneous plastic bags, 3,368 sachets of detergent and shampoo, 2,379 glass beverage bottles, 1,864 plastic bottle caps, 1,568 paper cups and plates, 1,388 straws and stirrers, and 1,384 pieces of discarded clothing.

With the theme “Clean Seas for Blue Economy,” ICC 2024 aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution and promote collaboration among coastal communities to keep the oceans clean and sustainable. Protecting the oceans also supports the livelihoods of those living in these areas, many of whom rely on the sea for income.

In Western Visayas, volunteers collected a total of 10,892.97 kilograms of trash across 34 kilometers of coastal areas. More than 160 partner organizations, including national government agencies, the business sector, the academe, and private groups, participated in the event.

The Philippines’ sachet economy, driven by the “tingi culture” or purchasing in small quantities, contributes significantly to single-use plastic waste in the country. For many poor families, buying in small, affordable amounts is a necessity of daily living.

“The growing use of plastics in our daily lives has contributed to this massive waste collection along coastal areas during ICC 2024,” said For. Raul L. Lorilla, officer in charge and regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6. “This shows us the need to continue engaging in proper waste disposal.” (DENR-6)