SM’s ‘Trash to Cash’ Empowers Communities for a Waste-Free Future

 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, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.

Held across 87 SM malls nationwide, the TTC program provides a convenient and accessible platform for shoppers, tenants, and local communities to participate in sustainable waste management. By ensuring that recyclables are properly sorted and repurposed, TTC actively contributes to the circular economy, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

Encouraging sustainable habits with tangible impact

The impact of TTC has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, the initiative successfully collected more than 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating a total of over ₱28 million in earnings for participants. This is equivalent to 204,000 trees saved if all recyclable wastes are paper or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emission if all recyclable wastes are plastic. More than just a recycling initiative, TTC empowers individuals, organizations, and businesses by making sustainability a rewarding and community-driven practice.

“TTC is more than just a recycling program—it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities. By participating, people not only contribute to waste reduction but also gain financial incentives, proving that sustainability can be both impactful and rewarding,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

A student weighs recyclables with his teacher at SM Cares' Trash to Cash, proving that every small effort adds up to a greener future.

SM employees and tenant partners join in by bringing piles and bags of recyclable waste.

A caring call to action: Be part of the change

As climate challenges continue to grow, initiatives like TTC show that small actions, when done collectively, lead to significant environmental impact. By participating in this program, individuals can contribute to the fight against waste pollution, support the circular economy, and take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.

Students, who brought in their trash, receive cash incentives from SM personnel for their commitment to a sustainable future.

Segregating our trash plays a vital role in diverting waste from the landfills.

How to participate in Trash to Cash

With TTC locations spread nationwide, SM Supermalls provides convenient drop-off points where customers can properly dispose of materials such as paper, plastic bottles, and other recyclable waste. Joining the TTC movement is easy. Segregate your recyclable waste and bring them to any participating SM mall. You can visit the SM Supermalls official website for ways to contribute to a cleaner, greener future. 

To learn more about TTC and other sustainability initiatives under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media. 

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SM Foundation introduces rainwater harvesting for sustainable impact

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through the SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen its goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

SMFI Health and Medical Programs Senior Project Manager Albert Uy inspects the water catchment to ensure its reliability.

The rainwater harvesting facility also operates without electricity and features labeled faucets for intuitive recycled water use.

Faucets connected to the rainwater catchment are duly marked to help guide the community.

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis, who leads the said birthing facility, said that the facility will help them reduce their reliance on the city’s water supply systems.

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters.

“Mahalagang hindi kami nawawalan ng tubig sa center, lalo na po pag nagsimula kaming magoperate bilang birthing clinic. Ngunit minsan po, walang dumadaloy na tubig at wala kaming mapagkukunan,” Jagmis shared.  

“Kaya napaka laking tulog po ng natural na tubig mula sa rainwater catchment system na. Madali namin itong naaccess upang gamiting panglinis o pandilig dahil konektado ito sa mga gripo. Ang tubig naman mula sa main line ay maitatabi namin para sa aming sterile operations,” she said.

 

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SCPW, UAPSA join hands with SM Prime in promoting wetland conservation

 As the world celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) hosted the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex.

SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. Photo from SCPW 

Bannering the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches. 

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep leads the opening of the Wetland Center Design Symposium.

SCPW president Ar. Celestino Ulep opened the symposium by sharing his optimism on how collaboration and embracing nature-based architecture can create a future where wetlands thrive and biodiversity flourishes. 

Notable experts in the field also graced the event, sharing their insights and experiences, including Chris Rostron, the global manager of Wetland Link International, and Alex Hughes of Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust in London, UK. The guest speakers started the discussion by sharing the pivotal role of Wetland Centers as a tool for Communication, Capacity Building, Education, Participation, and Awareness (CEPA) in wetland conservation efforts. 

Arch. Ulep, meanwhile, engaged the audience by introducing the concept of nature-based architecture, highlighting the importance of prioritizing sustainability and harmony in design by creating structures that seamlessly integrate with the natural environment. 

Meanwhile, Arch. Aaron Lecciones, SCPW Special Projects Officer, made a detailed visual presentation on the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) Design Team's experience. He highlighted the challenges and triumphs of designing a wetland park, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and architects. 

Esteemed partners, including Ms. Rida Reyes Castillo of SM Prime, Dr. Arvin Diesmos of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Mr. Laudemir Salac of DENR-Region 3, and Arch. Gleo Raymundo of UAPSA graced the event to show their full support for this endeavor. 

"It is an honor and privilege on the part of SM to partner with the SCPW and UAPSA in realizing its common goal of protecting ecosystems, particularly wetlands, by inspiring the youth to engage and take action on the socio-civic and economic issues in their communities by finding workable solutions towards building a sustainable future," SM Prime AVP and Head of Marketing, PR, and Communications Rida Reyes Castillo said.

Castillo further emphasized that environmental protection and nature conservation are integral pillars of SM Prime's sustainability campaign and that they believe in cultivating the younger generation’s devotion to building a sustainable future. 

The symposium concluded with a comprehensive discussion on the rules and guidelines of the design competition, followed by an open forum and exchange of ideas among participants.

The symposium also marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 4th SCPW Wetland Center Design Competition, which aims to create a platform for talented students in construction and design to showcase their skills and ingenuity and encourage them to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions.

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SG Hassan Pasco receives a Plaque of Recognition from CDRRMO

City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office awarded SM City San Pablo guard SG Hassan Pasco a plaque of recognition for his selflessness and courageous efforts in saving a life during a critical and life-threatening situation on June 25, 2023.

SG Hassan receives a plaque of recognition from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office officials:  (L to R) Ralph Kristian Eustaquio, Research and Planning Division Head, Vanessa T. Reyes, CGADH-I, CDRRMO, Rolly Asaula Administrative Division Head and John Edward Babani Administration and Training Division Head. SM City San Pablo CRS Manager Ramon Domingo (3rd from right) is with them.

While conducting his regular rounds, SG Pasco noticed a 74-year-old customer experiencing difficulty breathing due to something stuck in his throat. Fortunately, as a trained guard in first aid rescue techniques, he immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver (Abdominal Thrusts), saving the customer. 

SG Pasco is trained in first-aid rescue techniques and regularly undergoes refresher courses with a Certified First Aid Trainer from the Philippine Red Cross. These training sessions are conducted every morning before the mall opens.

CDRRMO Management Council in San Pablo, Laguna, said that his quick thinking, decisive action, compassion, and unwavering dedication to preserving human life have made a remarkable impact on the community. SG Pasco also received P10,000 from the City Administration Office.

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