By Othel V. Campos

THE Environment Department is pressing for the implementation of a law to ensure that garbage segregation at the household level in every local government unit is fully implemented.

Secretary Lito Atienza said the department is working on a draft order that will not only spell out the responsibilities of households, but will also order local government units to implement separate garbage collections for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.

Atienza pointed out that even if garbage segregation is already stipulated under the law (RA 9003), Filipinos must be reminded of their responsibilities on waste disposal and the system of separate collection will definitely reduce the volume of garbage that accumulate daily.

He added that the order will also provide households with income opportunities through recycling of non-biodegradable materials and composting of biodegradable wastes.

?We must continuously guide everybody on the proper disposal of garbage as we strictly monitor and enforce compliance to RA 9003, especially now that the effects of global warming and climate change are being experienced all over the world,? said Atienza.