The SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) campaign for a Waste-Free Future
and its Recyclable, Disposable, Compostable, or RDC model aims to make
segregation simple, easy, and actionable.
In the recent Sustainability Expo (SUSTEX 2025), SM Prime launched the
SM Waste Free Future Manual – a playbook that encourages individuals and
communities to learn about RDC and building better segregation habits.
Small steps, big impact
In the Philippines, the country generates up to 61,000 tons of waste
daily and an annual 2.7 million tons of plastic waste. A figure that
will rise with urbanization and poor waste disposal practices.
Inspired by the SM Green Movement’s strong call to action to make
sustainability part of everyday life, SM Waste Free Future invites
everyone to become part of the solution.
The three categories, RDC, make sorting waste an empowering exercise by
focusing on the word “able” meaning having the power, skill, or the
opportunity “to do”. The manual’s easy, practical, and inspiring read
hopes to encourage readers to do just that –championing segregation
systems and proper waste disposal.
Limited
number of copies have been printed in support of SM Prime’s
sustainability efforts. A digital copy of the manual will be made
available for download.
It also features innovative reuse programs of SM Prime’s business units
that keep materials in circulation and out of landfills. When done at
scale, each contribution can inspire others to follow, creating a ripple
effect.
Learn, practice, champion
Done with great reflection during its incubation stages, SM Waste Free
Future presented a rethink of waste segregation habits and systems built
over time.
“We have to be open to new ways of doing things and of putting into
action every little step that’s crucial for advancing waste management
solutions,” said SM Engineering Design and Development President Hans
“Chico” Sy, during the 2024 World Environment Day program launch.
Today, the campaign is deeply encouraged by institutions and agencies that strongly advocate developmental goals.
In his message of support, Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident
Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
lauded the RDC bin labeling system. “Proper waste segregation is an
entry point toward a circular economy – one that goes beyond waste
management to design out waste, keep materials in circulation, and
regenerate natural systems.” 
Together for a waste-free future, SM Prime sustainability champions at the Ignite Stage during SUSTEX 2025.
All together now
Together, we are stronger than we realize. “This project is not specific
to one organization, but one that belongs to an entire society. We
welcome everyone to practice this in their everyday lives,” Sy said.
To solve a mounting problem requires all hands on deck. SM Prime firmly
believes that together, we can create a sustainable, waste-free future.
“A waste-free future requires shared action from government, business,
and communities. May this manual be a catalyst for deeper collaboration,
innovation, and circular solutions that support national priorities and
the global Sustainable Development Agenda – building systems across
sectors that prevent waste, recover valuable resources, and protect our
environment for generations to come,” said Dr. Ramachandran.
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