The 5th Reimagine Recycling application period is now open!

Reimagine Recycling, a project by Coca-Cola Philippines and Save Philippine Seas that strives to scale developing circular economy projects, is once more looking to assist trash solutions through project financing and capacity-building opportunities. The project is now in its fifth year. The search this year will concentrate on initiatives that promote circular economies, assist underprivileged communities, and stop garbage from leaking into riverine and marine habitats.

Up to 10 finalists will be chosen from the pool of applicants to attend the Reimagine Recycling Summit in January 2024. They will have the chance to network with previous winners, take part in seminars, and present their ideas in front of a group of specialists and experts during the summit. The Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines may provide funds for selected projects to support their execution of up to Php 500,000.00.

“Coca-Cola Philippines is proud to continue working with Save Philippine Seas to promote marine conservation. We recognize the importance of our oceans in life. Through Reimagine Recycling, we are helping support a circular economy for our packaging – including uplifting informal livelihoods, and working to reduce marine pollution in our rivers and oceans,” said Tony del Rosario, President of Coca-Cola Philippines and Vice President for Coca-Cola Franchise Operations in the East Region (Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines).

The program is part of Coca-Cola’s continuous efforts to achieve a World Without Waste through partnerships with organizations. In 2018, The Coca-Cola Company pledged to collect and recycle an equivalent of every bottle and can it sells by 2030; make its packaging recyclable globally by 2025, and use at least 50% recycled materials in its bottles by 2030. The company has also opened a state-of-the-art bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in General Trias, Cavite in 2021.

“At Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, we believe in the power of collective action and the ability to make a difference. That is why we are excited to support the 5^th year of Reimagine Recycling! We continue to seek new innovations from groups who share our vision of caring for our communities and supporting our informal waste sector,” said Cecile Alcantara, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines President.

“Reimagine Recycling has enabled past winners to make new connections, grow their projects, and support the collection of over 195,000 kilograms of waste. The ingenuity of Filipinos is inspiring,” said Anna Oposa, Executive Director of Save Philippine Seas.

Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2023. For any questions or concerns, please email Ms. Mo Maguyon, Reimagine Recycling Project Manager, at [email protected].

Eligibility

Applicants should have an established and ongoing project that addresses issues in coastal community engagement, improving the welfare of informal waste pickers, gender mainstreaming in waste management, and preventing waste from river and marine ecosystems. The project must be at least six (6) months old by November 2023. The initiative must be a community-based project. Priority will be given to projects that work at the barangay level and collect and recycle hard plastics.

Two to three representatives from each project’s organization, association, or group are required to submit applications. Applicants may be affiliated with academic institutions, civil society organizations, or private businesses (including start-ups and social entrepreneurs).

Examples of initiatives

Supporting informal livelihoods

●        Capacity-building opportunities

●        Implementing models of cooperative organizing and community governance

●        Improving facilities for workers to safely process collections

Developing circular systems

●        Providing access to recycling markets and solutions

●        Improving local infrastructure for waste collection, recovery, recycling and disposal facilities

●        Developing roadmaps and strategies for solid waste management and/or circular economy

Visit www.savephilippineseas.org/reimagine-recycling for additional details. Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2023 (11:59 PM GMT+8). Please read the FAQs at  www.savephilippineseas.org/faq-reimagine-recycling if you have any questions or concerns, or send an email to [email protected].