Siquijor Island's Plastic Waste Crisis Threatens Tourism Industry

Siquijor Island in the Philippines is facing a mounting plastic waste crisis that threatens its tourism industry. Local officials and residents are calling for help to address the issue, citing inadequate waste management facilities and strained municipal budgets.

Municipal environment officer Lhermie P. Areja said that single-use plastic bottles from companies like Coca-Cola and Nature Spring have flooded the island, exceeding local capacity to deal with them. Despite segregation efforts, residual plastic waste continues to pile up.

A recent audit found that more than 70% of Siquijor's waste is biodegradable and could be managed through composting and biodigesters. The companies responsible for the plastic packaging are being called upon to remove their waste from the island.

Experts warn against pursuing thermal waste-to-energy incinerators, citing heavy operating costs, debt, and potential toxic emissions that could damage the environment and deter tourists.