Over 12 million kilos of recyclables collected in 2024.
A student weighs recyclables with his teacher at SM Cares’ Trash to Cash, proving that every small effort adds up to a greener future.
The “Trash to Cash” (TTC) recycling market, which allows people to trade recyclable waste for cash, turns SM Supermalls into a center of sustainability every first Friday and Saturday of the month. This program, which is a component of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been in place since 2007 and promotes recycling, waste segregation, and environmental awareness while also providing financial benefits to local communities.
The TTC program, which is implemented in 87 SM malls across the country, offers tenants, customers, and local communities an easy-to-use way to get involved in sustainable waste management. By ensuring that recyclables are properly sorted and repurposed, TTC actively contributes to the circular economy, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.
Encouraging sustainable habits with tangible impact
The impact of TTC has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, the initiative successfully collected more than 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating a total of over ₱28 million in earnings for participants. This is equivalent to 204,000 trees saved if all recyclable wastes are paper or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emission if all recyclable wastes are plastic. More than just a recycling initiative, TTC empowers individuals, organizations, and businesses by making sustainability a rewarding and community-driven practice.
SM employees and tenant partners join in by bringing piles and bags of recyclable waste.
“TTC is more than just a recycling program—it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities. By participating, people not only contribute to waste reduction but also gain financial incentives, proving that sustainability can be both impactful and rewarding,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.
A caring call to action: Be part of the change
Students, who brought in their trash, receive cash incentives from SM personnel for their commitment to a sustainable future.
As climate challenges continue to grow, initiatives like TTC show that small actions, when done collectively, lead to significant environmental impact. By participating in this program, individuals can contribute to the fight against waste pollution, support the circular economy, and take a meaningful step toward a more sustainable future.
How to participate in Trash to Cash
Segregating our trash plays a vital role in diverting waste from the landfills.
With TTC locations scattered worldwide, SM Supermalls provides convenient drop-off places where consumers can properly dispose of things such as paper, plastic bottles, and other recyclable garbage. Joining the TTC movement is easy. Segregate your recyclable waste and bring them to any participating SM mall. You can visit the SM Supermalls official website for ways to contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media to find out more about TTC and other sustainability projects under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign.
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