From Bin It Right to #SMWasteFreeFuture: How SM Supermalls is Leading the Charge Against Landfill Waste

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Waste is an unavoidable part of daily life, but what if it didn’t have to be? What if the concept of "waste" could be transformed into something useful, reducing the burden on landfills while promoting a more sustainable way of living?

Enter #SMWasteFreeFuture, SM Supermalls’ groundbreaking initiative that aims to reduce waste generation, improve waste segregation, and maximize waste diversion—helping to create a cleaner, greener world for future generations.

Rethinking Waste: The Landfill Dilemma

The traditional mindset of "out of sight, out of mind" no longer works when it comes to waste management. Landfills are not just unsightly; they pose serious environmental and health risks. Decaying food waste releases massive amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. Meanwhile, plastics and other non-biodegradable materials contribute to soil and water pollution.

That’s why SM Supermalls is taking bold steps to reduce landfill dependency, focusing on three major waste categories: Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) waste. Through innovative partnerships, cutting-edge recycling programs, and customer engagement initiatives, SM is proving that sustainable waste management is not just possible—it’s already happening.

Turning Trash into Treasure: SM’s Recycling Revolution

At the heart of SM’s recycling efforts is its "Trash to Cash" recycling market, which has been running successfully for years. This program encourages communities to bring in recyclables such as plastic, paper, metal, and glass in exchange for cash. The impact? Over 1 million kilograms of recyclables collected annually, helping to reduce pollution while supporting the circular economy.

In addition, SM’s bulk paper recycling program has already processed 130,250 kilograms of non-essential documents, keeping thousands of trees from being cut down for paper production. Through a partnership with Trust International Paper Corporation, SM ensures that recyclable materials are properly processed instead of ending up in landfills.

Waste-to-Fuel: A Game-Changer in Sustainability

Not all waste is recyclable, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless. SM Prime has partnered with GUUN, a Japanese environmental solutions company, to establish SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI)—a cutting-edge facility that transforms non-recyclable waste into fluff fuel.

Fluff fuel is an alternative energy source made from single-use plastics, non-recyclable paper, and used textiles. Instead of being dumped in landfills, these materials are processed and used by cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement as an eco-friendly fuel alternative.

Real-World Impact:

✅ 6,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste converted into fuel in 2024

✅ 12,000 households’ worth of annual waste diverted from landfills

✅ A daily waste processing capacity of 50-70 tons at the SM GUUN facility in Cebu

Even the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has taken notice. During a recent visit to the facility in Consolacion, Cebu, DENR officials praised SM GUUN’s efforts, recognizing its vital role in reducing carbon footprints and managing solid waste efficiently.

Composting for a Greener Tomorrow

Food waste is another major contributor to landfills, but SM is tackling this problem head-on. The company is currently piloting an advanced composting system inspired by Singapore’s hawker centers, which can convert food waste into usable soil in just 48 hours.

By achieving a 70% reduction in food waste volume, this initiative is helping to create new soil for gardens, parks, and urban green spaces, supporting biodiversity and sustainable landscaping.

Engaging Communities for a Waste-Free Future

SM doesn’t just focus on internal waste management—it actively involves the public. Through initiatives such as:

Plastic Waste Collection Drives

E-Waste Recycling Programs

Estero and Coastal Cleanups

SM encourages everyone to be part of the solution. These efforts also align with national laws like RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 11898 (Extended Producer Responsibility Act), reinforcing SM’s commitment to responsible waste management.

A Call to Action: The Journey to #SMWasteFreeFuture

Achieving a waste-free future requires collective effort—from individuals properly segregating waste to businesses innovating waste solutions. SM Supermalls is showing that this vision is not just a dream, but an achievable goal.

By Binning It Right, Recycling More, and Reducing Landfill Waste, we can all play a part in creating a cleaner, more sustainable Philippines.

Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about SM’s environmental initiatives at https://www.smsupermalls.com/smcares/events/environmental-programs-on-solid-waste-management.

Together, let’s turn waste into opportunity and build a better, waste-free future!

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