The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has reminded the public to observe proper waste disposal to help maintain cleanliness across Metro Manila.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes reiterated the call, urging the public to comply with ordinances on proper waste management to prevent garbage from ending up on streets and public spaces.

“The MMDA is reminding the public to follow ordinances and proper waste management. Observing discipline will also help in maintaining the cleanliness of Metro Manila,” the agency said.

Data from the MMDA–Health Sanitation Services Coordination and Assistance Division (HSSCD) showed that the five most common types of litter collected across Metro Manila in 2025 were cigarette butts, candy wrappers, plastic waste, miscellaneous items such as tissues, bus tickets, receipts, and facemasks, as well as obstructions.

The agency noted that simple waste items, including cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and plastic, consistently top the list of litter found on streets, sidewalks, and other public areas.

The MMDA also cited findings from the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Health Organization, which show that cigarette butts can take up to 10 years to decompose and often end up polluting oceans and other bodies of water.

Separately, the MMDA said that as of 2021, plastic waste accounted for about 17.36 percent of non-household waste in Metro Manila.