SM Prime: Why Stronger Waste Ecosystems and Communities Matter for a Waste-Free Future

What is good for the planet is good for the people. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) moves toward circularity while it continues its campaign for a waste-free future.

The World Economic Forum estimates that the circular economy will provide a $4.5 trillion global opportunity by 2030 through avoiding waste, creating opportunities, and making businesses more efficient.

SM Prime’s Waste Free Future campaign is committed to diverting waste from landfills through recycling, composting, and strengthening partnerships to improve waste collection and disposal efficiency ecosystems.

Focused on the R’s

Access to waste management systems is a concern for developing countries, and investing in the best possible and modern waste management solutions is urgently encouraged.

SM Waste-Free Future prompted a system rethink within the SM group when it launched a year ago, with its Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) segregation scheme.

The program probes deeply into how waste is generated, collected, segregated, transported, and disposed of across all SM Prime properties. In the hierarchy of waste, where reduction is always the best option, SM Waste Free Future also emphasizes the other “R’s” – Recycling and Recovery, to contribute to the advancement of the country’s recycling solutions.

The “R” bin works to recover recyclables, helping separate high-value items from waste that ends up in landfills.

Impact for Tomorrow

Enhancing the efficiency of waste collection and disposal supports the local waste management businesses and ensures proper handling of waste.

“The real innovation lies in the waste recovery for high-value recyclables. We can enjoy a healthier, cleaner, people-centric city through proper disposal and waste management,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, VP for corporate compliance and program director of SM Cares for Environment.

SM Prime equips its properties with a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and standardized waste segregation and management practices to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.

The Trash to Cash Recycling Market and the Plastic Waste Collection Program with Friends of HOPE serve as designated collection points at malls, allowing for the clean, dry plastic waste to be dropped off and providing avenues for proper upcycling or recycling.

“We have a chance to make a difference. We proudly celebrate the partners and communities that have proactively embraced the call for a waste-free future, and we look forward to others joining the movement,” said Engr. Silerio.

SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people.