Policy on the Regulation of the Use of Single-Use Plastics

(BOR Resolution No. 47, Series of 2019)

This serves to inform all University stakeholders of the prohibition, exceptions, allowed items, and sanctions related to the use of single-use plastics (SUPs) within University premises.

I. Prohibited Acts
Using, bringing, and selling of goods contained in SUPs within the University shall be prohibited. These include:

1. Plastic and/or disposable bottles for beverages
2. Disposable utensils, including plastic spoons and forks, straws, containers, plates, cups, lids, and soup bowls
3. Plastic bags as containers of dry goods

II. Exceptions
The following are exempted from this policy:

1. Usage of plastic disposable laboratory equipment that are part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which include disposable gloves, masks, head caps, and goggles.
2. Usage of plastic disposable laboratory equipment for laboratory works involving biohazards and corrosive solutions (including disposable items).
3. Usage of microwavable plastic containers that are durable, reusable, and non-toxic, intended for personal or repeated use rather than single-use disposal.
4. Usage of official or commercial packaging, such as food packaging, parcels, and other courier-delivered items, which are intended for official, business, or commercial purposes. These materials must, however, be properly brought home and not disposed of within the University premises and if found on campus, including in garbage bins, it shall be subject to applicable sanctions.

III. Allowed Items
The following are permitted for use within the University:

1. Stainless steel tumblers, glass bottles, and metal beverage containers.
2. Reusable utensils including stainless steel, metal and wooden spoons and forks, paper and metal straws, ceramic, glass, and metal plates, cups, and bowls.
3. Eco-bags, cloth and paper bags as containers.

IV.  Sanctions
The following sanctions may be imposed on violators:

1. Canteen Operators

1. First Offense – Warning
2. Second Offense – Penalty of Php 1,000.00
3. Third Offense – Penalty of Php 5,000.00
4. Succeeding Offenses – Termination of contract with the Business Development Center

• Faculty, Staff, and Administrators

1. First Offense – Warning
2. Second Offense – Clean-up activity within the University for 6 hours
3. Succeeding Offenses – Disciplinary actions through the HRMD Office

• Students

1. First Offense – Warning
2. Second Offense – Clean-up activity within the University for 6 hours
3. Succeeding Offenses – Disciplinary actions through the Office of Student Affairs

• Visitors and Outside Caterers

1. First Offense – Warning
2. Second Offense – Reprimand
3.  Third Offense – Penalty of Php 3,000.00
4.  Succeeding Offenses – Denied entry to the University

The provisions outlined in Sections I to IV serve as a comprehensive guide in regulating the use of single-use plastics within the University. Through the strict implementation of this policy, the University strengthens its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, fostering a cleaner and more responsible campus community.