SM City Baguio promotes responsible waste segregation

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Shoppers at SM City Baguio can use designated waste bins, an electronic waste collection point and a recycling machine to dispose of selected materials more responsibly, SM Supermalls said.

In a press release, the company said the facilities offer mall visitors options for separating recyclable materials, bringing in unwanted electronic devices for collection and recycling eligible used beverage containers.

The initiative highlights the role of everyday disposal decisions in waste management, particularly the need to keep recoverable materials separate from residual waste and to handle electronic waste, or e-waste, through appropriate collection channels.

“Ang mga simpleng action natin ay big impact ito sa waste management natin,” said Danielle, a student at the University of the Cordilleras. (“Our simple actions can have a big impact on waste management.”)

The company cited designated bins as a basic way for shoppers to separate waste according to the available categories.

Proper segregation can help keep potentially recyclable materials apart from waste that cannot be recovered through the same process.

E-waste disposal and safety

Electronic devices require particular care when discarded. Damaged gadgets may contain components and materials that need appropriate handling, while broken screens and other damaged parts can present physical hazards.

SM City Baguio has a designated e-waste collection point near its Cyber Zone, according to the company.

Richard, 40, a sales technician in the information technology field, said proper segregation and disposal of damaged gadgets were important for environmental protection and public safety.

“Mahalaga ang segregation at waste management ng mga sirang gadgets kasi meron itong mga chemical component. Pag hindi proper ang waste management nito, puwede itong cause ng sunog at puwedeng masugatan ang mga tao dahil may mga basag na LCD. Kaya nararapat lang ang proper disposal,” he said.

(“Segregation and proper waste management of broken gadgets are important because they contain chemical components. Improper handling can cause fires and injuries, particularly from broken LCD screens. That is why proper disposal is necessary.”)

Richard also welcomed the availability of the collection point, saying it had made the disposal process more convenient for those handling damaged electronic devices.

“Thankful sa SM City Baguio kasi since meron na dito, mas safe ang pagtatapon. Noong wala pa, kailangan naming i-pull out pabalik ng Manila yung mga ito,” he said.

(“We are thankful to SM City Baguio because having the facility here makes disposal safer. Before it was available, we had to send the items back to Manila.”)

The comments reflect the experiences of the individuals quoted in the company’s press release. 

Recycling used beverage containers

The mall also offers an SM Green Recycling Machine that accepts eligible used beverage containers.

The machine provides another option for visitors seeking to recycle containers during their mall visits.

Lilibeth, an intern, urged people to begin with their own waste disposal habits.

“Maging responsible po tayo sa segregation ng mga basura natin, start the change sa mga sarili natin,” she said.

(“Let us be responsible in segregating our waste and start the change with ourselves.”)

The available options underscore the importance of matching discarded items with appropriate collection and disposal methods.

Recyclable containers should be directed to eligible recycling facilities, while electronic devices should be brought to designated collection points rather than automatically placed in ordinary bins.

For mall visitors, the practical steps are straightforward: check the labels on waste bins, keep recyclable materials separate where facilities allow, and use the designated e-waste collection point for unwanted electronic devices.

Visitors should also check the recycling machine’s accepted materials before depositing containers.

For now, the facilities give shoppers at SM City Baguio several options to participate in waste segregation and recycling.

Their effectiveness, however, depends on correct use, suitable downstream handling and the continued participation of the people who use them.