Bali to be free from plastic waste by 2013

Antara 21 Oct 10;

Denpasar (ANTARA News) - Bali`s provincial government has set to make the tourist destination are free from plastic waste in 2013, Anak Agung Gede Alit Satrawan said here Wednesday.

"The plastic garbage which contaminating environment is expected to be sorted and processed, so it could contribute local income for the people," the Head of Environmental Board (BLH) Bali said here Wednesday.

He said the plastic waste is predicted for 10 to 15 percent from whole garbage produced by local people, markets and industrial businesses in Bali.

"Production of the garbage in Bali which is noted in Final Shelter (TPA) is 5.049 meter square per day," Alit said.

Alit added 750 meter square of the product is coming from the plastic one.

The rubbish, after sorted and processed, will give additional values for the local people, as well as accelerate in fulfilling people`s rights to get better and healthy environment.

The effort is in line with the declaration of Bali Green Province launched by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the end of last February in Nusa Dua, Bali.

"Therefore, we are incessant in campaigning Bali plastic free. It has been being our shared commitment from both the government and stakeholders in realizing Bali clean, healthy, green and sustainable," Alit added.

He mentioned Bali province government will soon make regional regulations draft (Ranperda) on garbage processing system which involving prevention and control of plastic waste in the God Island.

The draft which will be discussed by The Provincial Legislative Assembly is supposed to be accomplished immediately and can be applied in 2011. In the draft, several points about plastic waste reduction will be ruled.

Every business activity which is producing plastic garbage, its owner is obliged to handle individual control on the plastic waste produced, including providing fund to deal with sanction if the owner violates.

"While we are waiting for realization of the draft, the local government has campaigned in front of all local people, in shopping centers, traditional markets and shops, to reduce the use of plastic bags and the like," Alit said.