January 1, 2025
Toxics watchdog BAN Toxics has raised concerns over the accumulation of garbage following the New Year’s Eve festivities, along with an increase in fireworks-related injuries.
BT Patrollers monitored piles of mixed waste early this morning, including food waste, disposable beverage and food containers, wrappers, market discards, rotten fruits, and firecracker and firework debris.
Meanwhile, the Department of Health reported a 52 percent increase in fireworks-related injuries from December 22 to December 31 compared to the same period last year, based on data as of 6 a.m. on December 31.
“We were hoping to fare better this year in terms of waste management and reducing fireworks-related injuries; unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be the case,” said Thony Dizon, BAN Toxics Campaign and Advocacy Officer.
The group urged the public, especially children, to avoid handling leftover fireworks, including those that failed to ignite, to prevent further injuries.
