A legislator has filed a bill seeking to turn recyclable household waste into a source of cash and essential goods for Filipino families while promoting responsible waste management nationwide.
Filed by Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas, House Bill 11146, or the proposed Basura to Ayuda Act, would allow individuals, households, homeowners associations, and civic organizations to collect non-hazardous recyclable materials and exchange them for points redeemable for food, groceries, and cash.
‘Through this bill, we hit two birds with one stone. We are strengthening the culture of recycling and environmental protection while giving our fellow Filipinos an opportunity to earn from their waste,’ Vargas said.
The measure draws inspiration from the Quezon City government’s Trash to Cashback program, which uses a point-based system to encourage waste segregation and recycling while allowing participants to redeem collected materials for household essentials, including rice and eggs.
Under the measure, recyclable materials such as plastic bags and bottles, wrappers, sachets, and metals can be collected and redirected for recycling and other productive uses.
‘Quezon City has proven that this is an effective solution for solid waste management while providing incentives to our fellow Filipinos for helping clean the environment. It is time to implement this nationwide to protect the environment,’ Vargas said.
To ensure that the program offers meaningful incentives, the bill sets minimum exchange rates for recyclable materials. Every kilogram of recyclable plastic would entitle participants to one kilogram of commercial-quality rice or its cash equivalent, while every kilogram of metal waste would be exchangeable for two kilograms of rice or the corresponding cash value.
The proposal comes amid the country’s continuing waste management challenges. Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources indicate that the Philippines generates about 61,000 metric tons of solid waste daily. Improperly managed waste can clog waterways, aggravate flooding, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the bill, the DENR, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry would be responsible for coordinating the nationwide implementation of the program, establishing standardized trade-in centers, and ensuring consistent exchange rates across communities.
The measure also provides incentives for individuals who report hazardous waste and assist authorities in its safe retrieval, helping prevent dangerous materials from posing risks to communities and the environment.
Vargas said making recycling a nationwide practice would help strengthen environmental protection while giving households an additional opportunity to benefit from responsible waste disposal.
‘We must care for and protect our environment today to ensure that we leave behind a clean, safe, and thriving country for the next generation,’ Vargas said.