As one of the highly urbanized cities in Metro Manila, Valenzuela City’s rapid population growth is tantamount to an increase in waste generation. While the local government is actively deploying dump trucks to collect garbage day-to-day, it is observed that a portion of it is considered recyclable; due to the lack of awareness or incentives, it is often discarded along with the general waste.

To avoid overloading the waste landfill, the city government sought a solution to promote recycling behavior among Valenzuelanos, starting from their own homes, through incentivizing and converting recyclables into monetary or redeemable rewards. 

With this, the City of Valenzuela partnered with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST), which is the proponent of the “Trash to Cashback: May Balik sa Basura” Program. This initiative aims to employ a reward-based system to encourage Valenzuelanos to employ proper waste segregation and recycling in their daily habits. Recyclables such as single-use plastics, metals, papers, glass, and electronic waste all have corresponding Environmental Points that can be converted to redeemable rewards.

The Trash to Cashback Program not only fosters environmentally responsible behavior but also offers an opportunity to earn. Aiming to spread awareness for the benefits of the Trash to Cashback initiative, the city government will begin implementing the program in highly condensed communities such as Disiplina Villages. 

Taking a further proactive step to ensure the success of the Trash to Cashback program, the city government signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Basic Environmental Systems & Technologies, Inc. (BEST) to solidify their partnership. Also, Valenzuela City forged partnerships not only with BEST but also with key private organizations such as RMC Enviro, Envirocycle, and River Recycle, which also offered support to the city’s environmental initiatives. 

Alongside, generous donations were given from partners: River Recycle pledged trash bins made from recycled materials, Envirocycle provided “E-bins” specifically for electronic waste, and RMC Enviro Enterprises also endowed cash payments for residents collecting used cooking oil.

During the ceremonial launch, Valenzuelanos were also able to witness the first ceremonial transaction through the Trash to Cashback program, wherein collected recyclables were converted to redeemable points.

In his message, Mayor WES Gatchalian stressed the importance of fostering discipline and putting the culture of waste segregation into practice with the help of the Trash to Cashback Program. “Simula pa lamang ito. Ang panalangin ko po ay sana kumalat pa ito [Trash to Cashback Program] sa 33 barangays; at higit sa lahat, ay ‘yung kultura po [ng pag-segregate].”

Also witnessing the ceremonial launch were Councilor Goyong Serrano,  Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Mario San Andres, Ms. Tiffany Gatchalian, CENRO Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Rachel Torres, Vice President for Business Development of Basic Environment Systems and Technologies, Inc. (BEST), Mr. Jesus Tanchanco, Chief Operating Officer of BeepXtra Philippines, Inc., Mr. Avelino Nolasco De Jesus, representatives from DENR, and other private companies.

Through this initiative, the City Government of Valenzuela proves that through the collaborative efforts of the LGU, NGOs, private partners, and the Valenzuelano residents, a positive and significant impact on the environment is always within reach.

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