TADIAN, Mountain Province — The Zero-Waste Management Program which affirms the traditional ways of disposing biodegradable wastes is being advocated in this town through a municipal ordinance.

This program promotes the use of compost as an inexpensive yet more effective replacement for synthetic fertilizers, the production and use of biogas from biodegradable wastes and the fermentation of fruit wastes.

It endeavors to make available to the people the technologies and skills trainings for local recycling and processing of certain wastes into ecologically and economically valuable resources like processing of plastic waste into paint varnish and floor wax, processing of cigarette butts into insecticides, and processing of textile/fabrics into recycled thread or other fine cloth crafts.

Under this ordi nance, every household is encouraged to undertake the recycling or processing of its waste materials. However, households who may not have sufficient waste to be processed or who may not be engaged in processing activities should bring their recyclable wastes in the established local processing center.

Dumping of wastes in creeks, rivers or any other public places is also prohibited. Any person violating this is fined with the amount of P100.00 for the first offense, P200.00 for the second offense, and P300.00 and or two days imprisonment for the third offense.

Any person who reports a violator of this provision is entitled to 50 percent of the fines imposed.

Stores and all other commercial establishments, schools, hospitals, clinics and other offices and institutions are also required to provide a systematic sorting of their wastes which should be recycled, processed, or sold to the municipal retrieval center. Corresponding fines are charged to those who do not comply or without any sorting system.

To ensure the success of the program, a Municipal Zero-Waste Management Committee is created.