CIGARETTE butts topped the list of commonly thrown garbage in Metro Manila streets last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.
Data provided by the agency showed that cigarette butts made up 79 percent of the common garbage in the streets, with 12,918 individuals apprehended for throwing them in the streets.
Paper waste came in next with 1,524 individuals arrested while 1,343 were arrested for throwing candy wrappers.
From February to December 2022, the agency said 9,820 cigarette butts were collected by personnel from its Health and Environmental Protection Office.
This was followed by paper waste with a total of 2,269 and candy wrappers with a total of 1,978 collected for the same period.
“The garbage clogged the drainage system and waterways. That is why we are appealing to the public to be responsible and dispose of garbage properly,” the MMDA said.
Under MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 or the Anti-Littering Law, littering in public places carries a fine of P500 to P1,000 or community service.
