Trash-for-cash outlets eyed in Cebu City brgys

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) looks forward to implementing a trash-for-cash outlet program called “Aling Tindera” to the barangays in Cebu City.

Aling Tindera is described as a community program which aims to divert plastic waste away from nature, by providing incremental income to communities, as well as encourage behavior change and educate the public about responsible plastic waste management.

This program is handled by HOPE, the Philippines’ first certified B Corporation.

A hundred percent of its profits go towards improving public school infrastructure, increasing livelihood opportunities, and enabling efforts that conserve our environment.

Based on Aling Tindera’s website, there are two active Aling Tindera outlets in the city—one in Balay Samaritano sa Sugbu and the other one in Sacred Heart Church.

CCENRO officer-in-charge Reymar Hijara said representatives of Aling Tindera visited them to discuss the identification of suitable sites in the barangays for their infrastructure needs.

Putting up an Aling Tindera site requires space for a 10 to 40-foot container.

“We will be sending a formal letter to the barangay through the Liga ng mga Barangay and the DILG,” Hijara said.

Aling Tindera’s personnel are also set to visit each barangay to explain the advantages of setting up this system, aiming to expedite the implementation of the program.

Hijara told The Freeman that they have recommended four barangays as pilot areas.

These barangays are Basak-San Nicolas, Carreta, Luz and Mabolo, which Hijara said are the most active with their solid waste management.

Once this is already established, community members can sell their plastic wastes to their Aling Tindera. Items will be checked if they are empty, clean, and dry before baling and storing them.

Once the container vans are full, HOPE collects the plastic waste and takes it to accredited processors that have been vetted for environmental compliance.

Plastic waste will then be upcycled, recycled, responsibly used as an alternative energy source. (CEBU NEWS)