World · Philippines Bureau
Philippines aims to slash plastic pollution by 85 percent by 2040
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has unveiled an ambitious roadmap targeting a dramatic reduction in plastic waste over the next 15 years. The strategy emphasizes prevention at source while strengthening collection, recovery and recycling infrastructure across the nation.
LSN Philippines ·
Manila — The Philippines is pursuing a substantial reduction in plastic pollution through a newly launched national action plan spanning 2026 to 2040. The Philippine National Plastic Action Roadmap, unveiled by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, sets a target of reducing plastic pollution by 85 percent within the next decade and a half.
The comprehensive strategy addresses the country's persistent plastic waste challenges through a multi-faceted approach. Rather than focusing solely on end-of-life solutions, the roadmap prioritizes waste prevention at source, recognizing that curbing plastic consumption at the outset offers greater environmental benefits than managing discarded materials after they enter waste streams.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the nation's capacity for collecting, recovering and recycling plastic waste. By improving infrastructure and systems nationwide, authorities aim to divert significant quantities of plastic from landfills and marine environments, where accumulated waste poses severe ecological risks.
The roadmap represents a significant policy commitment to address a critical environmental issue affecting the Philippines. The country, situated in Southeast Asia's archipelagic region, faces particular vulnerability to plastic pollution accumulation in its marine ecosystems and waterways.