The Quezon City government is now rolling out its ‘trash to cashback’ program in the entire city. The program allows residents to trade recyclable materials for environmental points (EP) that may be exchanged for basic commodities such as rice, eggs, vegetables and other grocery items.
It was initially launched last March 2021 through its Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) and residents can only bring their recyclable waste to the city hall. With the rollout, the Quezon City government is bringing its project at the barangay level, and they asked barangays to identify suitable locations within their areas where the residents can bring their wastes.
The program is in partnership with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST). Residents who would like to trade have to create and register their email to BeepXTRA Philippines, BEST’s Cashback Loyalty Platform partner, to earn EPs.
Recyclable items such as metal, paper products and PET bottles, as well as single-use plastics like shampoo sachets and coffee packs, will be accepted at the drop points.
Residents can also donate their points to beneficiaries identified by the barangays, where the beneficiaries will receive groceries or incentive bags.
The city hall is also planning to introduce the program to commercial establishments such as malls, hotels and restaurants.
(Sources: Quezon City Government; The Philippines Star)
