The Philippines has surpassed the plastic waste recovery goals initially set under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 (Republic Act No. 11898), representing a major advancement in the country’s waste management initiatives. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced this milestone at the 2026 EPR Recognition Program held on January 30.
According to the DENR, the national plastic diversion rate reached 55.98%, exceeding the legally required 40% recovery target for the period. This outcome reflects increasing industry compliance and demonstrates the effective implementation of the country’s landmark environmental legislation.
Regulatory Framework
The EPR Act (RA 11898) requires large enterprises to assume responsibility for the environmental impacts of their plastic packaging across its entire lifecycle. The law complements the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), enacted 25 years ago, which provides the foundation for waste segregation and disposal primarily managed by local government units.
The recognition ceremony, co-organized with the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Material Sustainability (PARMS), took place during National Zero Waste Month and coincided with the 25th anniversary of RA 9003. DENR Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized that the EPR Law is no longer merely a policy vision but is actively shaping waste management practices nationwide.
Key Compliance Highlights
DENR data showed significant gains in plastic waste recovery and industry engagement since the law came into effect. Key highlights include:
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Overall Diversion Rate: Plastic waste diversion reached 55.98%, well above the 40% target, with approximately 246 million kilograms of plastic waste diverted.
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Material-Specific Recovery: Flexible plastics achieved a recovery rate of 56.33%, while rigid plastics reached 55.60%, through recycling, upcycling, and co-processing.
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Industry Participation: As of January 2026, 1,017 entities had registered 201 EPR programs with the National Ecology Center, covering obliged enterprises, collectives, and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).
Industry Impact and Future Directions
These results signal meaningful progress toward a circular economy in the Philippines and highlight effective collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in translating policy into tangible environmental outcomes.
Looking ahead to 2026, the DENR identified several priorities to further strengthen the EPR system and maintain momentum:
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Improved Monitoring: Upgrades to digital systems for more accurate tracking and verification of compliance data.
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Standardized Audits: Introduction of unified audit frameworks to enhance transparency and accountability.
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Sustainability Incentives: Mechanisms to encourage the development and adoption of more sustainable packaging designs.
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Capacity Building: Ongoing institutional strengthening and expanded public awareness initiatives.
