WORLD BANK ADVISES PHILIPPINES TO PRIORITIZE EPR OVER PLASTIC TAX

The World Bank has urged the Philippines to prioritize full implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act and expand waste management infrastructure before imposing stricter restrictions or taxes on single-use plastics.

In a report released on June 23, the lender said an EPR-first approach, supported by investments in waste segregation, collection, recycling, and affordable alternatives, would more effectively reduce plastic pollution while minimizing impacts on vulnerable sectors.

The report estimated that the EPR Act could cut virgin plastic use, mismanaged plastic waste, and greenhouse gas emissions by 19%, 16%, and 19%, respectively, by 2040, outperforming a proposed plastic bag excise tax.

It also warned that the country’s plastic waste could more than double to 4.6 million metric tons by 2040 without further reforms, with mismanaged waste and emissions expected to rise significantly.

The World Bank recommended a phased reform strategy that includes strengthening the EPR system, improving waste management infrastructure, gradually tightening restrictions on single-use plastics, using plastic taxes as a supporting measure, and adopting waste-to-energy projects only where appropriate.

Source: PhilNews24 | June 25, 2026