Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling market. This long-running initiative, which started in 2007, provides individuals and communities with the opportunity to exchange recyclable waste for cash, fostering environmental awareness and promoting responsible waste segregation. As part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, TTC has significantly contributed to sustainability efforts across the Philippines.
Empowering Communities Through Recycling
Held across 87 SM malls nationwide—including seven in Mindanao—TTC has emerged as a successful platform that encourages households, businesses, and organizations to take part in responsible waste management. In 2024 alone, the program collected over 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating more than ₱28 million in earnings for participants. These figures translate to the preservation of 204,000 trees if all the recyclables were paper, or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emissions if all were plastic.
Beyond financial incentives, TTC instills sustainable habits among individuals, reinforcing the importance of waste segregation and recycling. “TTC is more than just a recycling program—it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
Why Local Government Units Support This Initiative
The success of TTC has led to active collaboration with various local government units (LGUs). Many LGUs have adopted similar initiatives or partnered with SM to promote responsible waste management. The reasons for their support include:
- Waste Reduction and Compliance – By endorsing recycling programs like TTC, LGUs can significantly reduce the volume of waste ending up in landfills, aligning with national solid waste management policies.
- Community Benefits – Residents not only earn from their recyclables but also learn sustainable practices that contribute to cleaner communities.
- Cost Savings – LGUs that encourage recycling initiatives can lower waste collection and disposal costs, making waste management more efficient and sustainable.
Why a Private Company Initiated and Sustains the Program
While the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is tasked with leading environmental conservation efforts, it is private corporations like SM Supermalls that have taken the lead in implementing practical solutions. The reasons for SM’s commitment include:
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – As a leading business entity, SM recognizes its role in environmental stewardship and the impact it has on sustainability.
- Consumer Engagement – By promoting sustainability programs, SM enhances customer engagement, fostering loyalty among eco-conscious shoppers.
- Economic and Environmental Sustainability – With increasing demand for greener business practices, TTC aligns with global trends toward corporate sustainability, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
The Role of DENR in Leading Waste Management Efforts
While the private sector has taken significant steps in waste management, the DENR should ideally be at the forefront of such initiatives. The agency plays a crucial role in:
- Policy Formulation and Enforcement – Strengthening policies to support recycling and circular economy initiatives.
- Funding and Infrastructure Development – Providing resources to enhance waste segregation, recycling centers, and waste-to-energy facilities.
- Public Awareness Campaigns – Leading nationwide education drives to encourage waste reduction and responsible disposal.
Despite these responsibilities, the private sector has filled a gap in implementation. Moving forward, a stronger partnership between DENR, LGUs, and businesses like SM could create a more structured and widespread approach to sustainable waste management.
Mindanao’s Contribution to Trash to Cash
Mindanao malls have actively participated in the TTC initiative, with the following total recyclables collected in 2024:
- SM CDO Uptown – 21,796.5kg
- SM CDO Downtown – 11,703kg
- SM City General Santos – 20,520.5kg
- SM City Mindpro – 39,967.5kg
- SM Lanang – 8,819.8kg
- SM City Davao – 25,797kg
- SM City Butuan – 4,875kg
- Total: 133,479.3kg
Among these, SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga topped the list, collecting 39,967.5kg of recyclables. According to Mr. Arnel Manahan, the SM Foundation focal person for SM Zamboanga, the campaign is done twice every month in their location. “Aside from our tenants, we’ve been campaigning this as well to local communities, schools, and universities, especially those within the 5km radius of the mall,” he shared. This proactive approach has significantly boosted participation and reinforced sustainable waste management efforts in the region.
How to Participate
Individuals and organizations can easily join the TTC program by segregating their recyclables and bringing them to designated drop-off points at SM malls. The initiative is available at SM City Davao and SM Lanang in Davao City, SM CDO Downtown and SM CDO Uptown in Cagayan de Oro, SM City Butuan in Butuan City, SM City General Santos in General Santos City, and SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga.
For more information on TTC and other sustainability initiatives under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media.
A Call to Action
As climate challenges continue to escalate, initiatives like TTC highlight the power of collective action in environmental preservation. Whether through government policies, private sector initiatives, or individual participation, every effort counts in building a more sustainable and waste-free future.
