Are your post-holiday items just sitting idly in your home? If so, recycling them is an impactful way to kick-start 2024 with a commitment to saving the planet.

In an eye-opening projection for 2045, the Commission on Audit anticipates an annual solid waste production of 24.50 million metric tons in the country. This highlights the urgent need for more waste management initiatives and low-impact practices to thrive in a consumerist society.

With that said, turn your trash into cash by collecting recyclables, spanning electronic waste to glass and cartons, and visiting your local recycling facilities for a twofold benefit for you and the Earth.

1. Aling Tindera

Aling Tindera is a community collection program that engages women micro-entrepreneurs, such as sari-sari store owners, to act as local hubs for plastic waste collection. With over 130 sites established in Manila, Pasig, and Cebu, the program not only diverts plastic waste from nature but also educates the public on responsible plastic waste management.

To monetize trash, visit your local Aling Tindera plastic waste collection hub and drop off your sanitized waste. Be an Aling Tindera by submitting a nomination on the community program's official website.

2. TrashCash PH

Established in 2019, TrashCash lets you earn cash by scanning your trash with your phone's camera. After identifying the value and category, segregate the waste and drop it off at Barangay 69 Hall in Tondo, Manila, or in TrashCash's partner locations.

The sustainable program has also partnered with communities, educational institutions, and businesses to champion sustainable waste management.

3. Green Antz Builders

Bulacan-based eco-friendly construction company Green Antz Builders produces bricks using shredded plastic and wet cement. Made out of almost 100 single-use plastic sachets, each brick has five times the strength of a standard hollow block.

The company supplies building materials for low-cost homes, schools, and daycare centers in Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Cebu. To transform your plastic into eco-bricks, clean, compress, and seal the bundle of plastic in a carton box, then take the boxed plastic to your local drop-off points.

4. SGP Junk Shop and General Merchandise

Founded in 2003, SGP Junk Shop and General Merchandise purchases various scrap materials including aluminum, cartons, metals, plastic, copper office equipment, and automotive parts. Transform your waste into wealth with this zero-waste initiative located in Barangay Mauway, Mandaluyong City.

5. My Basurero

For effortless waste pickups, waste collection service My Basurero allows users to swap recyclables for points, which can be redeemed for grocery essentials from program-affiliated merchants. Established by Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies, Inc., the waste collection service accepts recyclables such as plastic, construction debris, municipal solid waste, bulky trash, and garden debris.

My Basurero's eco-community centers are located in cities within Metro Manila, as well as in provinces including Cagayan de Oro City and Bacolod City.

6. Trash to Cashback

Trash to Cashback is a Quezon City-based program where people can exchange metal, paper, and single-use plastic for environmental points. They can be redeemed as payment for utility bills such as water, electricity, and internet through the Bayad App.

Trash to Cashback's drop-off booths are located in areas such as Commonwealth Barangay Hall, Malaya Park, Novaliches District Center, and Barangay Culiat.

7. Humble Sustainability

Do you own a business that deals with stressful inventory and hassle returns? If so, Humble Sustainability helps businesses like yours sell their returns and excess inventory — a two-way win for you and the circular economy startup. Its bestselling categories are TVs, mobile phones, and laptops. The startup also liquidates damaged items and sends a status report for tracking if your items have been sold already.