DENR backs tax on single-use plastics

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday backed a proposal to tax the consumption of single-use plastics to curb plastic pollution in the country.

"Imposing tax on single-use plastics is a positive development for the environment in several ways. It can promote use of reusable packaging, reduce single-use plastic wastes, and extend the life of sanitary landfills," Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director William Cuñado said in reaction to the proposal of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.