A mobile materials recovery facility launched by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in partnership with Robinsons Land Corporation last week in Muntinlupa City has recovered more than 2,000 recyclable materials.
The facility, located in Barangay Sucat, Muntinlupa City, recovered 2,272.2 kilograms of recyclables, with 1,623 of them being sold to a junk shop while 649 kilograms were transferred for further processing at the MMDA’s Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility in Vitas, Tondo, Manila.
The agency said this demonstrates strong community support for responsible waste management while “highlighting the significant impact of community-driven waste recovery and segregation to major close waste stream loops and implement a circular materials recovery system.”
“The MMDA and RLC’s collaboration creates a mutually beneficial system that promotes recycling while providing essential goods to community members in exchange for their recyclable materials—the core concept of the project. By engaging communities, providing incentives, and fostering partnerships, we are not just managing waste—we are transforming it into a sustainable resource that benefits everyone,” Jhonmarie Caoyong, an official of the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office, said.
Jay Dela Cuadra, Senior Development Director of Robinsons Logistix and Industrials, said the partnership showed Robinsons Land’s dedication to fostering eco-friendly practices within communities, ensuring that initiatives like the mobile materials recovery facility continue to drive long-term environmental impact.
“The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both the public and private sectors in advancing sustainable waste management solutions. This project underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing our waste management challenges to reduce plastic pollution in our waterways. Together, we can inspire communities to adopt best practices that promote a culture of environmental responsibility,” Dela Cuadra said.
Under the program, residents of Sucat are encouraged to turn over their recyclable wastes to the material recovery facility in exchange for goods provided by Robinsons Land and San Miguel Corporation.
A point system employed by the program ensures that residents receive fair compensation based on the market value of their recyclables, with an additional 25 percent added to encourage participation.
The residents are also educated on proper waste segregation, recycling practices, and the importance of the materials recovery facility in their community’s waste management efforts.
“The success of this project hinges on the active participation of every member of our community. Segregation at home is crucial for cleaner surroundings and effective waste management practices. By raising awareness and visibility of programs like this one, we are hoping to motivate our stakeholders to join the zero-waste movement,” said Vincent Alon, an official in the Environmental Sanitation Center of Muntinlupa City.
A 2023 waste analysis and characterization study in Metro Manila conducted by the MMDA showed that 21, 44 percent of household wastes can be recycled, while a separate report by the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources estimated that 85 percent of waste generated can be composted.
