LET’S RECYCLE USING REVERSE VENDING MACHINES

LET’S RECYCLE USING REVERSE VENDING MACHINES It’s time we stop treating garbage as garbage—and start seeing it for what it really is: an opportunity. I’m referring to the untapped potential of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), an innovation already proving its worth right here in the Philippines. These machines accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans in exchange for points, discounts, or incentives. Think of it as a recycling ATM—deposit trash, get rewarded. It’s simple, it’s effective, and it’s already working. One local company, Spurway Enterprises. has already installed RVMs in San Juan City and several other locations nationwide, proving that the concept isn’t just theoretical. It’s real, and it’s successful—not just in collecting recyclables but also in selling them. That’s what a circular economy looks like: turning waste into wealth while cleaning up our communities. Spurway Enterprises is now knocking on the door of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the European Union’s Green Economy Programme in the Philippines (GEPP). The EU has pledged 60 million Euros in green development funding, and the RVM initiative fits perfectly into the program’s goals: promoting sustainability, innovation, and green enterprise development. Now the question is: Will this funding be made available to those already doing the work on the ground? Let’s hope so. Because RVMs could be a cornerstone in solving one of our most stubborn problems: solid waste management. RVMs Aren’t Just Tech—They’re Tools for Empowerment But this isn’t just about machines. It’s about empowering local entrepreneurs. Each RVM can become the centerpiece of an eco-enterprise owned and operated by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—the lifeblood of our economy. The collection and sale of recyclable materials can be run by small traders and junk shop owners, creating jobs at the grassroots level. This is sustainability with a human face: machines backed by community-driven enterprises. Even better, these RVMs can also serve as information hubs. Equipped with video screens, they can display advertisements to generate extra revenue, making them self-sustaining in the long run. They can also be programmed to show public service announcements (PSAs) from local or national government agencies—like the DTI, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government. This is how we marry environmental protection with economic empowerment. A Role for CREATE MORE and the SIPP The potential of RVMs extends into the realm of strategic investment. Under the CREATE MORE Act (RA 12066) and its accompanying Strategic Investments Priority Plan (SIPP), projects that promote innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity are eligible for incentives. So here’s the next step: RVMs should be officially recognized under these frameworks. The DTI and the Board of Investments (BOI) should offer guidance to local innovators on how to qualify for these incentives. Let’s not make them jump through hoops. Let’s clear the path. Where Policy Meets Practicality The technology exists. The local proof-of-concept exists. The community business model exists. The government’s green funding exists. Now it’s just a matter of connecting the dots. This is where leadership matters. The National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) should embrace RVMs as a key strategy in local waste management plans. LGUs should integrate these machines into barangay-level solid waste programs. And yes, the Office of the President should take a close look at this, because environmental protection and innovation are national concerns. If we do it right, we’ll not only reduce plastic waste—we’ll create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurship, and redefine recycling in the Philippines. Closing the Loop It’s ironic how we throw things away, thinking they’re worthless. But that “waste” could be a source of income, awareness, and empowerment—if we close the loop. Let’s move past the pilot projects and press releases. Let’s make RVMs a mainstream solution, backed by policy, funding, and local enterprise. If we want to clean up our environment, we can’t rely on slogans. We need systems. RVMs are one such system, already proven and waiting to be scaled. So, here’s my message to policymakers, agencies, and funders: don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-22-2025