Over 12 million kilos of recyclables collected in 2024
Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM transforms into a hub
of sustainability through its nationwide ‘Trash to Cash’ (TTC) recycling
market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash. This
initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a
long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling,
and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.
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| The ‘Trash to Cash’ program provides a convenient and accessible platform to participate in sustainable waste management since 2007. |
Held across 87 SM malls nationwide, 7 of which are in Mindanao, the TTC program provides a convenient and accessible platform for shoppers, tenants, and local communities to participate 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
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| 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 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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| Segregating our trash plays a vital role in diverting waste from the landfills. |
How to participate in Trash to Cash
With TTC locations spread nationwide, SM Supermalls provides convenient drop-off points where customers can properly dispose of materials such as paper, plastic bottles, and other recyclable waste. Joining the TTC movement is easy. Segregate your recyclable waste and bring them to nearest SM Mindanao mall near you: SM City Davao and SM Lanang in Davao City, SM CDO Downtown and SM CDO Uptown in Cagayan de Oro, SM City Butuan in Butuan City, SM City General Santos in General Santos City, and SM City Mindpro in Zamboanga.
To learn more about TTC and other sustainability initiatives under SM’s Waste-Free Future campaign, follow @SMCaresOfficial on social media. (SM Prime)
