SM Supermalls is making recycling more convenient with the launch of its Green Recycling Machine (GRM), introduced last March 16 at the SM Mall of Asia Hypermarket. The new machine is designed to encourage mall-goers to recycle PET bottles in a quick, hassle‑free way while supporting SM’s sustainability initiatives.
Using the GRM is simple: Tap “Green Recycle” on the touchscreen to activate, insert your empty PET bottles one by one, and tap “Completed” once you’re done. Accepted sizes range from 250ml to 1 liter, and the machine automatically compresses bottles after five or six entries. Each unit can hold between 300 to 500 crushed PET bottles, ensuring that waste is stored properly before being sent to Sentinel Upcycling, where they are repurposed into benches and trash bins.
According to Belinda Gonzales, Section Head for SM Supermalls Corporate Compliance for Sustainability, the GRM is designed to make recycling accessible for everyone. “If you have your empty PET bottle, you can bring it here, click on the touchscreen, and the door will open. You put your bottles one by one and wait until the screen acknowledges it. The machine will close automatically and compress the bottles inside,” she explained.
Gonzales also hinted at future incentives for users, such as discounts or coupons from mall tenants, to further encourage participation. For now, it’s focused on helping Sentinel produce more benches and items that are usually donated to underprivileged communities.
It’s important to note also that the GRM only accepts clean PET bottles. Items such as glass bottles, aluminum cans, dirty containers, plastic cups, straws, and food containers are not allowed. By focusing on PET bottles, the machine ensures that the recycling process remains efficient and effective.
With thousands of visitors passing through SM malls daily, initiatives like this can make a significant impact in promoting responsible consumption and upcycling. The next step is to bring your PETs to SM Malls to help make a change!
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*Photos courtesy of Iconic MNL.