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

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.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines creates more than 60,000 metric tons of waste every day, a figure that is likely to rise as urbanization and economic activities continue.

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. The program aims to reduce overall waste generation through effective waste segregation and divert 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 across all of its assets, which included malls, residences, workplaces, hotels and convention centers, and estates around the country.

Beyond SM Prime, the waste campaign has spread to other SM groups and portfolio firms, making SM Waste-Free Future 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.

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

SM Prime also recognizes SM Retail's efforts to promote a waste-free future.  All SM Store branches have successfully placed RDC bins, but SM Markets is still implementing its reusable bag scheme.  Goldilocks Bakeshop has also installed the RDC system in all of its SM Supermall locations to help with trash management.

Creating opportunities to expand

Partnerships with other groups pave the way for future development.  SM Waste-Free Future improves tenant engagement at SM Supermalls and SM Offices, assisting businesses with similar waste targets in aligning with their worldwide sustainability policies.

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

Recognizing the importance of technology in solving problems, SM Waste-Free Future has expanded its 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 household food waste away from landfills.

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

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

Join the movement

SM Waste Free Future encourages more communities and stakeholders to contribute by properly segregating waste, participating in local clean-ups and collection activities, and promoting eco-friendly products and practices.

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

In honor of World Oceans Day, SM Cares recently mobilized communities in 18 SM Supermalls around the country, bringing together over 5,000 volunteers and collecting over 30,000 kg of debris 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.