DENR opts for trash-for-cash program to promote proper segregation, disposal

August 15 ------ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the National Capital Region has signed an agreement with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST) to start the trash to cashback program. This program, which aims to promote proper waste segregation and disposal, allows Filipinos to trade recyclable trash for environmental points that can be used to redeem consumer goods from program partners.

Under the agreement, BEST will establish a drop off point called My Basurero Eco-Community Center (MBE-C), which is located at the agency’s National Ecology Center in Quezon City. There will be additional drop off and exchange centers that will be established at DENR NCR offices, including the North Sector in Navotas, South Sector in Paranaque and West Sector along Roxas Boulevard in Manila. BEST, which is under the IPM Holdings Inc., said offering incentives for waste collection will encourage people to observe proper waste segregation.

“The program aims to protect the environment while helping communities and businesses comply with waste segregation as mandated by Republic Act 9003 or Solid Waste Management Act,” BEST Managing Director Jan Vincent Mercado said in a statement. Further, individuals can bring their recyclable wastes from their homes or offices to their preferred MBE-C, register an account using the bXTRA app, earn credits, and redeem Environmental Points.

Source: gmanetwork.com