In London, microchips are being placed in garbage bins to monitor how much people throw away. None of the chips are used to charge residents in so-called “pay-as-you-throw” plans — at least so far. But many believe the microchips are part of a stealth plan to increase fees and fines. A councilor in Bristol said the microchips are being used as part of an innovative campaign to reward people who reduce waste. However, a number of groups resists the project and allege that this is a part of government’s information-gathering plan which clearly violates citizens’ right to privacy.
I cannot imagine this to happen anytime soon in the Philippines. First, we don’t even have garbage bins along the streets! Second, our government has far too many concerns other than promote recycling. Third, a basurero or the garbage collector would definitely choose to get the microchip and sell it than all the junk inside the bin! Haha.
Anyways… On a serious note, I think that such a project has many legal implications. Aside from the issue on privacy, it also raises some constitutional problems specifically on the right to property. The bundle of rights of property ownership includes the right to dispose or jus disponendi. The state cannot prevent its citizen from throwing things that they no longer need or want. And I am sure that this would be very difficult to administer here. But as I’ve said, I don’t think we will adopt this project anytime soon or ever.
- Glaisa PO
(entry no. 17)
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