DENR urges recycling, reusing of campaign materials after midterm election

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has called on the candidates and campaigners to take responsibility for the proper disposal and reuse of election paraphernalia left behind after the 2025 midterm elections.

Following the advisory from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Special Task Force Baklas 2025 on May 9, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga directed the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) to lead efforts in collecting, repurposing, recycling, and reusing campaign materials nationwide.

Loyzaga also encouraged its regional offices to conduct a post-election clean-up drive and recovery activities, aiming to report the quantity and state of the disposed materials and to remind of its possible effect on the environment.  

“By repurposing campaign materials, we protect biodiversity in our lands and our oceans, while at the same time creating economic opportunities and fostering household uses that benefit our communities,” she said.

In addition to DENR’s push, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy urged the public not to burn election waste, warning of the harmful effects on both the environment and public health.

The DENR is collaborating with civic organizations to amplify the call for responsible waste management, asking election candidates to participate in removal and recycling efforts.

One of the groups supporting the initiative is the Davao-based Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), which emphasized the environmental accountability of candidates and the health risks posed by campaign debris if left unmanaged.

Comelec also reminded all candidates and groups to remove their election materials from public and private spaces no later than May 11.

Non-compliance with this matter shall be sanctioned as an election violation and can be considered as grounds for administrative disqualification and election offense law prosecution.