Makati saves 9,000 kilos of recyclable waste

Makati City’s waste diversion and reduction program generated over 9,000 kilograms of recyclables from the city’s barangays a month after its launch.

Department of Environmental Services (DES) chief Danilo Villas said the Baratilyo ng Basura sa Barangay (BBB) recycling project has collected 9,779.76 kilos of paper, plastic, polyethylene (PET) bottles, and junk electronic items.

The BBB is the latest addition to Makati’s projects and programs to reduce the volume of waste generated in the city. It was established by DES in partnership with the Makati Liga ng mga Barangay, Kapisanan ng mga Junkshop sa Makati (KJOM), Ayala Foundation, Inc., Philippine Business for Environment, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Under the program, the city’s 33 barangays are grouped into six clusters, each of which has a designated BBB to buy recyclables from residents. Each cluster is allowed to decide when they will sell to selected junk shops all the recyclables they bought from residents.

As program partner, the KJOM provides the price list for recyclables purchased by BBB, and has required them to acquire accurate weighing scales.

“The residents are assured of being given a fair price for their recyclables at the BBB since these have accurate weighing scales and use the prevailing price rates of recyclables,” Villas added. – Rhodina Villanueva