Photo source: SM Supermalls 

It is not "out of sight, out of mind"; landfills are not just eyesores in remote areas, but they also pose a significant health risk to the communities around them and emit a substantial amount of greenhouse gases from decaying food waste.

Addressing this issue requires a shift in waste management practices, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to minimize landfill dependency.

The RDC, or Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable bins at SM Supermalls, are not only for show but serve as the start of the journey to achieve a net-zero landfill and beyond.

SM has recycled 130,250kg of its internal non-essential documents through its bulk paper recycling program. Photo source: SM Supermalls 

For recyclable waste, SM implements initiatives such as the "Trash to Cash" recycling market, which collects over one million kilograms of plastic, paper, and other recyclable materials each year, ensuring they are repurposed or properly processed instead of ending up in landfills.

The program aims to reduce solid waste pollution and promote a circular economy within communities. SM understands the importance of segregating at the source, and the company does this through partnerships with various companies, such as Trust International Paper Corporation for internal bulk paper recycling. The program has avoided landfill waste equivalent to the annual waste of more than 3,000 households while ensuring recyclables are properly processed.

SM's environmental programs, such as the monthly Trash to Cash recycling market, continue to support communities towards sustainable living. Photo source: SM Supermalls 

For disposable, non-recyclable waste, SM Prime formed a joint venture with the Japanese environmental solutions company GUUN to establish SM GUUN Environmental Company, Inc. (SGECI). This partnership enhances its waste-to-fuel factory to convert non-recyclable waste, like single-use plastics, non-recyclable paper, and used rags, into cement fuel called "fluff fuel" to reduce coal usage.

The "fluff fuel" produced is then used by eco-conscious cement companies like APO Cement, Holcim, and Taiheiyo Cement in a practice they call "co-processing," where the ash from the fuel is also used as a cement ingredient, making it an integral part of the waste reduction ecosystem.

In 2024, SM GUUN Environmental Company converted over 6,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste into "fluff fuel," avoiding the annual landfill burden for 12,000 households. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently visited the facility and recognized its significance to various stakeholders, particularly in the reduction of their carbon footprints and the efficient management of solid waste.

In 2024, SM GUUN enabled the conversion of 6,000 metric tons of non-recyclable waste into fuel for cement companies. Photo source: SM Supermalls 

For compostable waste, SM GUUN is experimenting with a Singaporean system for its malls and hawker centers that transforms compostable food residues into landscape soil, achieving over 70% volume reduction within 48 hours. This helps create new soil for gardens, parks, and golf courses, thereby reducing the burden on landfills and contributing to soil health and urban greenery.

SM GUUN's Cebu plant is capable of processing 50-70 tons of waste daily. Photo source: SM Supermalls 

SM also implements customer-focused programs on solid waste management, including the Plastic Waste Collection program, E-Waste Collection, and awareness campaigns for protecting water bodies. Additionally, it conducts regular estero and coastal cleanup activities. These initiatives align with and support government efforts to promote responsible waste management in compliance with RA 9004, RA 11898, and other related laws.

 Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) representatives, led by Assistant Secretary and concurrent Bureau Director Jaqueline Caancan were joined by the National Solid Waste Management Commission Head Engr. Vizminda Osorio and DENR Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Visayas Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera in a recent visit to SM GUUN Environmental Company in Consolacion, Cebu. Photo source: SM Supermalls 

As solutions take shape, the journey toward SM's #SMWasteFreeFuture becomes more achievable. Everyone plays a role, from properly following the "Bin it Right" initiative to advancing waste solutions that foster a sustainable cycle of recovery and consumption. By working together, we can move toward a future where waste is no longer a concern. Let us all do our part in making a "waste-free future" a reality.

To learn more about SM's solid waste management initiatives, visit their website.