The Pasay City government has launched a new environmental initiative that allows residents to earn money from recyclable waste while helping reduce garbage and promote proper waste management in the city.

Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano on Thursday led the launch of the "Basura na, Naging Pera Pa: Trash to Cash Project," a program implemented in partnership with the Pasay Cooperative to encourage households to segregate recyclable materials and convert them into additional income.

Rubiano said residents may bring recyclable materials -- such as plastic bottles, paper, cartons, and aluminum cans -- to designated collection points, where these will be weighed and exchanged for cash or cooperative incentives.

She said that the program aims to instill environmental responsibility among residents while demonstrating that proper waste segregation can also provide economic benefits.

"Every day, we generate a huge amount of waste—from our households to commercial establishments. But if we properly segregate and recycle these materials, what was once simply thrown away can now have value. Simple items like bottles, paper, cans, and plastic can provide an additional source of income while helping us keep our city clean," Rubiano said.

"Ito ang tunay na diwa ng programang ito: ang gawing yaman ang dating itinuturing na basura," (That is the true essence of this program: transforming what was once considered waste into a valuable resource," the mayor added.

Rubiano said the project helps Pasay improve waste management, recover more materials, and cut the amount of garbage sent to landfills. It also encourages residents to take a bigger role in recycling and protecting the environment.

Through the “Trash to Cash Project,” Pasay City aims to make every household a partner in keeping the city clean by turning waste into a valuable resource.