SM Prime’s year one toward a waste-free future

Shoppers can conveniently drop off old gadgets for proper recycling through SM Supermalls’ E-Waste Collection in partnership with PLDT and Smart at Cyberzone.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines creates over 60,000 metric tons of waste every day, a figure that is predicted to rise as cities grow and economic activity increases.

Recognizing the urgency, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) launched the SM Waste-Free Future program in 2024 as one of its flagship environmental sustainability programs, with the goal of reducing overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and diverting waste away from landfills through recycling, composting, and other sustainable disposal methods.

Together as one community, 2024 marks the launch of SM Waste-Free Future in SM Mall of Asia.

In its first year, it developed a new waste management segregation system throughout its assets, which included all malls, residences, workplaces, hotels, convention centers, and estates around the country.

Beyond SM Prime, the waste campaign has expanded to other SM groups and portfolio firms, transforming SM Waste-Free Future into a group-wide initiative.

A bigger picture of waste

The Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins are central to the program’s segregation practice. RDC makes it simple and consistent, providing key visual cues to bin it right.

Together for an SM Waste-Free Future, the Recyclable, Disposable, Composable (RDC) bins at SM Store branches support the broader goals of environmental sustainability through clear and effective waste segregation practices.

Despite its early stages, the swift and widespread integration demonstrates SM Prime's capacity to operationalize sustainability across several asset classes and ecosystems, reinforcing the company's commitment to creative waste diversion solutions.

SM Prime also recognizes SM Retail's efforts to advance a zero-waste future.  All SM Store locations have successfully implemented RDC bins, while SM Markets continues to implement its reusable bag system.  Goldilocks Bakeshop has also adopted the RDC system in all of its SM Supermall outlets to help with trash management efforts.

Creating opportunities to expand

Collaboration with other groups paves the way for the job ahead.  SM Waste-Free Future improves tenant participation for SM Supermalls and SM Offices, assisting businesses with similar waste-reduction aims in aligning with their worldwide sustainability policies.

Similarly, it supports SM Hotels' innovative back-of-house operations, food waste policy, and textile recycling program.  The SM Hotels Tela Tales program upcycles almost 2,000 yards of soiled linen into sustainable items while also providing a source of income for women in partner areas.

Recognizing the importance of technology in providing answers, SM Waste-Free Future has strengthened relationships with other organizations.  SM Development Corporation (SMDC) collaborates with Globe's Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food from homeowners, improving the lives of Filipino families enduring involuntary hunger, and diverting domestic food waste from landfills.

In the mall's Cyberzone zones, SM Supermalls' Electronic Waste Collection Program, in collaboration with PLDT and Smart, makes it possible to responsibly dispose of obsolete mobile devices and other electronic equipment.

Join the movement

SM garbage Free Future asks more communities and stakeholders to get involved by properly segregating garbage, participating in local clean-ups and collection activities, and supporting eco-friendly products and practices.

SM Cares' positive reinforcement and appealing social media advertisements target youngsters by encouraging them to adopt better waste segregation habits and become more interested in the state of the planet they will inherit.

SM Cares recently organized communities throughout 18 SM Supermalls countrywide to celebrate World Oceans Day, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting more than 30,000 kilos of rubbish from shorelines.

Mobilizing for World Oceans Day, SM Cares volunteers unite and act to remove waste that ends up in the oceans.

“Waste-Free Future is more than just a program—it’s a mindset shift. And we’re only getting started. We call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us—because a truly sustainable future is one we build together.” ~Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment

With the growing momentum for a waste-free future, SM Prime believes that a cleaner, more circular Philippines is well within reach.

About SM Prime:

SM Prime is steadfast in its commitment to shaping sustainable and innovative lifestyle cities that drive economic progress and elevate the quality of life for millions of Filipinos. As a catalyst for inclusive growth, the company champions responsible development that creates long-term value for communities.