Implications of R.A. 6969

Population growth and the increased demands for manufactured goods for local and export markets has led to intensified industrialization efforts by various Philippine governments. Industrialization resulted in generation of industrial wastes, including hazardous wastes, that require management to prevent or minimize risks to the environment and public health. The Philippine economy has grown over the years leading to even higher production of hazardous wastes that unfortunately have not been managed properly and safely.

In response for growing problem of disposal of Hazardous waste, RA 6969 or An Act to Control Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and for Other Purposes were implemeted.

Where its objectives are: oTo keep an inventory of chemicals that are presently being imported, manufactured, or used; indicating, among others, their existing and possible uses, test data, names of firms manufacturing or using them, and such other information as may be considered relevant to the protection of health and the environment; To monitor and regulate the importation, manufacture, processing, handling, storage, transportation, sale, distribution, use and disposal of chemical substances and mixtures that present unreasonable risk or injury to health or to the environment in accordance with national policies and international commitments;

oTo inform and educate the populace regarding the hazards and risks attendant to the manufacture, handling, storage, transportation, processing, distribution, use and disposal of toxic chemicals and other substances and mixtures; and To prevent the entry, even in transit, as well as the keeping or storage and disposal of hazardous and nuclear wastes into the country for whatever purpose.

Systems and procedures have evolved over time that need to be consolidated and integrated into a useful information material for use by regulators, the regulated community and other stakeholders.

Moreover, recent environmental legislations have implications on hazardous waste management that need to be integrated into its implementation framework. Thus emerged the need to provide hazardous waste generators, transporters, TSD premises operators, the general public and the regulatory personnel with clear, sufficient and updated information about complying with the legal and technical requirements of hazardous waste management.