Question & AnswerQ&A (DOH)
These rules apply to all persons and entities involved in the generation, accumulation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, treatment, utilization, and disposal of refuse or other waste matter, including occupants, owners, tenants of buildings, local government units, government agencies, private firms, junk dealers, scavengers, and more.
Biodegradable waste refers to any material that can be reduced into finer particles (degraded or decomposed) by micro-biological organisms or enzymes.
Any person, corporation, local government unit, public agency, or institution owning or operating refuse collection services or refuse disposal areas and facilities must obtain an operating permit from the regional health office prior to operation.
They must apply for or renew a sanitary permit with the city or municipal health office, comply with sanitary inspection standards, pay fees set by local ordinance, and post the permit conspicuously at the establishment.
Standard color coding includes Black for non-biodegradable general waste, Green for biodegradable waste, Yellow for infectious and pathological waste, Orange for radioactive waste, Red for sharps and pressurized containers, and Yellow with black band for chemical waste.
Vehicles must be approved by the local health officer, have appropriate compartments (preferably separate for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste), metal hauling bodies that prevent leakage, properly cover refuse to prevent spillage, be well-maintained, disinfected regularly, and display the name, logo, and telephone number of the refuse contractor.
Violators shall be guilty of misdemeanor and upon conviction punished by imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding Php1,000.00, or both at the court's discretion.
They must maintain clean premises, provide sufficient refuse containers, keep containers in designated places, refrain from placing refuse in public areas except just before collection, prevent vermin harborage, and implement odor or nuisance control programs.
Biomedical waste management shall be based on standards and guidelines contained in the Manual on Hospital Waste Management prepared by the Department of Health, which is part of these implementing rules.
Upon violations, the local health officer may issue sanitary orders requiring correction within a grace period; failure to comply after re-inspection may lead to recommendations for revocation to the local health authority. The owner may file a motion for reconsideration, but the local authority may initiate court proceedings if the establishment continues operations after revocation.