In response to the country鈥檚 escalating waste problem, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has rolled out its 鈥淪M Waste-Free Future鈥 program across its portfolio of malls, residences, offices, hotels, and estates. The initiative, launched in 2024, aims to reduce waste through improved segregation and diversion strategies including recycling, composting, and other sustainable methods.According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines generates over 60,000 metric tons of waste each day鈥攁 number expected to increase with ongoing urbanization and economic growth. .At the heart of the program is a standardized waste segregation system using Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins placed in strategic locations. The bins are color-coded and visually labeled to encourage proper disposal among customers, tenants, and employees.The waste-free campaign is now being adopted across other companies in the SM Group. SM Retail has fully deployed RDC bins in all SM Store branches, while SM Markets continues its reusable bag initiative. Goldilocks, a partner brand, has also implemented the RDC system in its stores nationwide.SM Prime鈥檚 hotels have further expanded the campaign by promoting textile recycling and food waste reduction. The 鈥淭ela Tales鈥 project, under SM Hotels, transforms old linens into new sustainable products and creates livelihood opportunities for women in partner communities.鈥淲aste-Free Future is more than just a program鈥攊t鈥檚 a mindset shift. And we鈥檙e only getting started,鈥 said Engr. Liza Silerio, Vice President for Corporate Compliance and Program Director of SM Cares for Environment. 鈥淲e call on our tenants, partners, and customers to continue the journey with us鈥攂ecause a truly sustainable future is one we build together.鈥漇MDC has also partnered with Globe Telecom鈥檚 Hapag Movement to rescue surplus food and redistribute it to families experiencing involuntary hunger. Meanwhile, in mall Cyberzones, SM Supermalls continues to work with PLDT and Smart to make e-waste disposal more accessible. .As part of its public outreach, SM Cares has engaged thousands of volunteers through shoreline cleanup drives and targeted youth education campaigns on waste segregation. In a recent celebration of World Oceans Day, more than 5,000 volunteers helped collect over 30,000 kilograms of garbage from 18 SM Supermalls nationwide.With this initiative, SM Prime envisions a cleaner and more circular future鈥攁nd it hopes to bring more sectors and communities on board.