Proper waste segregation can deliver real environmental benefits when done correctly—and SM Supermalls is strengthening its push to make that easier for everyday Filipinos.
Across its properties nationwide, the mall operator has rolled out the Recyclable–Disposable–Compostable (RDC) bin system, encouraging customers to actively participate in what it calls a nationwide Green Movement. The initiative promotes circularity by diverting waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions, and preventing soil and water contamination.
“Through SM’s RDC bins, we are not only encouraging customers to adopt responsible waste disposal habits, but also enhancing the efficiency of our waste management systems to better serve our communities. Waste is often an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ issue, so we are committed to ensuring that our approach delivers tangible environmental benefits,” said SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Sustainability, Liza Silerio.
Central to the effort is SM GUUN Environmental Company, established in Consolacion, Cebu in 2024 under the #SMWasteFreeFuture project. Waste collected from in-mall RDC bins in Cebu is corrected and re-sorted for conversion into industrial raw materials, fuel, or soil.
The blue bin is reserved for bottles, cans, and cartons—materials with established recycling systems. Sorted materials are sent to partners including San Miguel Yamamura, Asia Brewery Incorporated, Coca-Cola’s recycling arm PETvalue, and Nature Spring’s NS Sustainability Solutions to be reprocessed into new packaging.
Gray bins collect non-recyclable disposables such as cups, straws, rags, and other hard-to-recycle disposable containers, which are converted into alternative fuel for cement manufacturing. Partners such as DMCI (Concreat), Holcim (Geocycle) and Republic (Ecoloop) use the waste-derived fuel to reduce coal consumption.
Meanwhile, food scraps from green bins are transformed into landscaping soil within 48 hours, cutting methane emissions from landfills—a major source of greenhouse gases more potent than carbon dioxide. The resulting soil is used for landscaping and urban greening initiatives, with partners including J.Co, BlueSkye Go Circular, Goldilocks, and Fat Hopes Energy supporting its development.
“Changing habits is hard, but we’ll make it easier. All SM Supermalls are equipped with RDC bins, enabling our customers to actively participate in meaningful sustainability efforts that help protect the environment. Each time they visit our malls, they have the opportunity to contribute to our shared goal of achieving a Waste-Free Future,” Silerio said. “While waste remains an escalating challenge both locally and globally, SM firmly believes in the power of community and collective action to address even the most complex environmental issues.”
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines diverted over 246 million kilograms of plastic waste last year, achieving a 56% diversion rate and surpassing national targets.
