The provincial government of La Union has collected 8.4 metric tons of plastic waste from residents across 15 localities through its “Trash to Goods Program,” where plastic waste is exchanged for canned goods.

Of the total waste collected, 4.48 metric tons were polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, while 3.94 metric tons were mixed plastics.

These were exchanged for over 175 boxes of canned goods.

The initiative, led by the Provincial Government-Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) in partnership with HOPE Business for Good and Century Tuna, promotes responsible waste management and environmental sustainability by incentivizing recycling.

Launched in April 2023, the program encourages residents to trade recyclable items like plastic bottles, tarpaulins, and styrofoam for canned goods, with exchanges based on weight and conducted annually in designated locations.

“This program ensures that waste materials are reintegrated into the economy instead of being discarded, ensuring sustainability and solid waste reduction. This also proves the strength and unity of our responsible constituents towards the preservation of the environment,” Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David said in a statement on Wednesday.

PG-ENRO head Annalyn Rosario-Valdez said the initiative not only strengthens waste management but also encourages reduced plastic use and proper segregation.

An information education campaign was also held to educate tourism stakeholders on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Plastic Code of La Union, and the process of conducting a plastic brand audit on May 21.

The program serves as a strategic intervention of the provincial government to support the implementation and preservation of the province’s 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan.

The collected recyclable plastic wastes will be delivered to accredited recycling centers. (PNA)