Feed Your Empty PET Bottles into SM’s New Green Recycling Machines

GR Machines deployed in SM Malls nationwide set to make recycling easy, fun, and rewarding

Your empty PET bottles have somewhere better to go than landfills—and SM is taking them there.

 

Through the newly-deployed Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines), SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) uses the nationwide reach of SM Supermalls to make sustainable action easy, accessible, and rewarding for mallgoers all over the country.

“The GR Machines enrich the SM Group’s existing waste management efforts under the SM Green Movement,” said SM Supermalls President, Steven Tan. “Through the deployment of these machines, we hope to collaborate with our customers in caring for the environment by helping recycle PET bottles whenever they enter their most loved SM Supermalls.”

Each GR Machine can be operated with ease by any user and can accept PET bottles up to two liters. Together, the GR Machines nationwide can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in one collection cycle which are compressed in-machine. The compressed PET blocks are then collected and given a second life by SM’s hauling partner Sentinel which transforms the blocks into reusable items such as food trays.

Little makes much: Preserving the environment one diverted bottle at a time

According to the World Bank, the Philippines leaks more than 300 million metric tons of plastic waste into the sea annually—equivalent to around 9 percent of its improperly handled plastic waste. The Philippines was also noted as one of East Asia and the Pacific region’s top contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

 

Recognizing that sustainability and protecting the environment is beyond the effort of one entity, SM has leveraged its presence nationwide through its properties to engage its customers and surrounding communities in maximizing the collection of recyclables especially plastics. Through SM Cares, its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, SM empowers communities to adopting sustainable practices through simple and accessible ways to take part in protecting the environment. Arresting the growing issue on pollution, the SM Group has enhanced waste segregation efforts to increase its collection and diversion of plastics from the environment since 2007 with its pioneer program, the Trash to Cash recycling market.

 

SM Group’s Trash to Cash initiative was organized by SM Cares as the pilot community program that encouraged customers to segregate recyclables like metal, paper, and plastic and exchange these for cash on a monthly basis. SM Supermalls also followed up this effort with the launch of two Reverse Vending Machines in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall which empowered customers to segregate aluminum cans and empty PETs in exchange for discounts on sports and leisure attractions. On top of these, SM also hosts nationwide coastal clean-up drives annually through the strength and effort of its workforce volunteers.

With the latest in mobile recycling technology, SM’s GR Machines encourage customers to turn good intentions into daily environmentally-conscious actions in three easy steps:

1. Feed any PET bottle up to 2 liters into the machine
2. Confirm your deposit by pressing the prompt on the screen
3. Await your reward

“This is just a glimpse into how SM aims to enrich the Circular Economy through the elevated role we play in integrating seamless waste management efforts, all for Filipinos. We are hopeful that with the addition of the SM GR Machines, our continued partnership with our customers in protecting the environment yields a more sustainable future” said Tan.

Customers can start depositing their plastic bottles in SM GR Machines across the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu and SM Lanang. (SM PRIME)

About SM Supermalls

SM Supermalls is evolving for a new era shaped by how people live, connect, and experience life today. More than a place to shop, it is the country’s most loved mall and an everyday destination designed around the lifestyles, passions, and needs of Filipino communities, delivering new finds, fresh concepts, and meaningful experiences, All For You.

As one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers and operators, with 89 malls in the Philippines and 9 in China, SM Supermalls continues to evolve its spaces, experiences, and partnerships, building destinations that grow with communities and remain trusted, relevant, and loved for generations. Your Most Loved Supermall, SM — All For You.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines.

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

Cyberzone Made E-Waste Disposal Easy: 14,000+ kg Collected Through Strategic Drop-off Points

Good Habits Made Accessible by Cyberzone 

 

Truly embodying the Cyberzone #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove promise, we’re continuing to make responsible tech disposal easy and accessible, right where people already are: inside SM Supermalls.

Cyberzone, in partnership with SM Cares, helps turn e-waste disposal into a simple, safer habit through dedicated drop-off points rolled out nationwide with Smart Communications and PLDT Home, beginning June 2024. 

 

Across participating SM Supermalls, these collection bins give mallgoers a clear, accessible place to drop off old gadgets and broken electronics that are in need of proper disposal. Instead of ending up in drawers or landfills, e-waste can be responsibly handled through a system designed for everyday convenience and better environmental discipline.

14,327 kg Properly Collected and Segregated 

 

Since the partnership began, Cyberzone’s E-Waste Collection Drop Boxes have helped gather 14,327 kg of electronic waste across 89 SM Supermalls, 69 of which are located in the Cyberzone area. This ensures materials are properly collected and segregated for responsible handling. Serving as a reflection on the growing community habit made easier through clear drop-off points and a consistent, accessible mall experience.

“We take pride in being the go-to tech destination for shoppers,” said Patrick Pacla, Vice President for Cyberzone Operations and Marketing at SM Supermalls. “But as gadgets evolve, so does the need to dispose of old electronics responsibly. Everyone has a role to play, and Cyberzone is committed to making it simpler and safer to do the right thing, so tech does not end up harming the planet.”

Sustainability Built to Grow Through Partnerships

Our dedication to responsible tech consumption is built for the long run. Cyberzone and SM Cares, together with Smart Communications and PLDT Home, will continue expanding e-waste collection bins as new malls open. Today, drop-off points are available in Cyberzone branches and SM Supermalls, helping move communities closer to an #SMWasteFreeFuture.

For updates, follow SM Cyberzone on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

And for immersive tech experiences and always something exciting to discover, Cyberzone #TechWeLikeZoneWeLove keeps you on the loop, in-store and online.

Visit www.smcyberzone.com for more information. (SM Supermalls)

Over 50,000 Volunteers Join SM Cares Coastal Cleanup Drives

SM Cares champions the spirit of bayanihan as youth volunteers lead the coastal cleanup—proving that every small act can create waves of change.

SM Supermalls continues to advance its commitment to environmental sustainability with the successful rollout of its 2025 coastal cleanup initiatives, culminating in the youth-centered National Day for Youth Climate in Action: “Bayanihan with a Vibe” event held at SM By the Bay on November 23. This year-long campaign mobilized more than 50,000 youth and community volunteers, removing over 210,000 kilograms of waste from coastlines nationwide—one of the program’s biggest collective efforts to date.

Youth leaders take the frontlines in SM Cares coastal cleanup, driving collective action for cleaner, healthier coastlines.

Throughout 2025, SM Cares—the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls—led major marine conservation activities, including the World Oceans Day celebration in June, the International Coastal Cleanup in September, and sustained weekly cleanups in select malls. These initiatives continue to amplify public commitment to the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign, strengthening SM’s advocacy for clean oceans and empowered communities.

Taking action today for a greener tomorrow, young leaders join SM Cares’ coastal cleanup to protect our oceans and inspire change.

“Caring for our coastlines goes beyond a clean-up activity—it’s a sustained commitment to the communities and future generations who depend on these waters. We’re inspired by the passion of the youth and volunteers who showed up all year. Their energy reminds us that when we come together, small acts can create waves of change,” said Engr. Liza Silerio, SM Cares Program Director for the Environment.

Young volunteers step up for cleaner coastlines, carrying sacks of collected waste during SM Cares’ coastal cleanup—building a #SMWasteFreeFuture together.

This year’s “Bayanihan with a Vibe” placed youth front and center, blending coastal cleanup activities with interactive learning and entertainment. Volunteers from youth organizations, community groups, local government units, partner NGOs, and SM employees participated in environmental education sessions, waste collection activities, and a DJ-led gathering that celebrated collective climate action. The event reinforced the message that young people play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable future, with SM Cares providing platforms that inspire them to lead meaningful change.

Youth bring the bayanihan vibe to life—joining SM Cares’ coastal cleanup while enjoying music and climate action in one meaningful celebration.

Across all of SM’s 2025 coastal cleanup efforts, the strong and diverse turnout—from students to families, local partners, and corporate volunteers—demonstrates the growing public commitment to the #SMWasteFreeFuture campaign. By integrating sustainability into both its corporate operations and community programs, SM Supermalls continues to build a culture of shared responsibility for the environment.

A vibrant mix of purpose and energy as young changemakers take part in SM Cares’ coastal cleanup, moving to the bayanihan vibe with music and action.

Every cleanup is a step toward a cleaner, greener Philippines. With thousands united under the spirit of bayanihan, SM Supermalls reaffirms its commitment to building a waste-free future—one coastline at a time. SM invites communities nationwide to join the #SMWasteFreeFuture movement and continue making waves for a sustainable tomorrow.

About SM Green Movement

SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is one of the largest integrated property developers in Southeast Asia, committed to creating sustainable, innovative, and inclusive spaces for Filipinos. Guided by its vision of building a better future, SM Prime develops malls, residences, offices, hotels, and leisure properties that support the growth of communities across the Philippines. 

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

Celebrating 40 Super Years of Evolving With Every You, SM Supermalls—one of Southeast Asia’s largest mall developers—continuously evolving to lead the way in sustainable development by integrating green design, energy efficiency, disaster resilience, and environmental stewardship into its 89 malls in the Philippines, all while creating inclusive spaces that enrich communities, support climate action, and ensure a better, more sustainable future for generations of Filipino shoppers. (SM Prime)