San Miguel boosts QC gov’t recycling program

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is partnering with the local government of Quezon City to boost the latter’s “trash-to-cashback” recycling program.

Through packaging arm San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp. (SMYPC), the conglomerate has committed to purchase all glass and cullet, or broken glass, to be collected.

These will then be recycled to make new glass products.

“We are honored to be welcomed by the QC local government as a partner in this important and truly innovative project that teaches and incentivizes citizens to minimize their impact on the environment, and segregating their household wastes,” SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang said in the statement.

“I’m more than confident that SMYPC’s world-class expertise and long experience in zero-waste or circular economy practices will contribute significantly to the realization of our shared goal of addressing solid waste pollution, and promoting sustainability in our communities,” he added.

The Quezon City government’s trash-to-cashback program gives users of the “My Basurero” app financial rewards for recycling.

Participants earn so-called environmental points, which they can use to pay for utility bills and internet services through the Bayad App, avail grocery items through the Trash to Cashback Mart, and order food deliveries from the partner merchants.

The program is also being implemented in partnership with waste management solutions firm Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies Inc. and technology partner BXTRA Philippines.

Meanwhile, SMC said recycled glass is widely used in its manufacturing line.

“Glass will not decompose if left in landfills, but it is highly recyclable and can actually be reused endlessly without any adverse effects on quality or safety,” Ang said.

“Producing glass products using recycled material also uses up significantly less energy. It’s a system that benefits all, and the only challenge is making sure we are able to collect as many used glass materials as we can,” he added.

SMC earlier discontinued its plastic bottled water business in 2017. SMYPC has also implemented its “Balik Bote” program for more than a decade at its facilities, host communities, and in public schools near their areas of operation.