Under the program, students bring clean plastic sachets from home every Monday, contributing to a school-wide collection effort. To facilitate waste segregation, EPMC has donated two 120-liter bins to SFES, ensuring plastics are properly gathered for processing.
For every 18 kilograms of plastic waste collected, EPMC will produce one upcycled plastic armchair, which will be donated to the school. With 5,000 students, SFES generates a significant amount of plastic waste, much of which can now be repurposed into useful classroom furniture.
SFES Principal Marilen Calma emphasized the project’s educational value, noting that waste disposal remains a challenge for the school despite existing efforts. By converting waste into tangible products, the initiative makes environmental responsibility more relatable for students.
“We teach solid waste management in the curriculum, but without seeing actual products made from discarded materials, it’s difficult for young students to grasp the impact. This project brings the concept to life,” Calma explained.
She added that integrating waste management education into daily school activities helps instill a stronger environmental mindset in students, potentially influencing their families to adopt sustainable habits.
EPMC President and CEO Allaine Tan stated that 15% of the company’s recycled waste consists of single-use plastics, which are challenging to manage.
EPMC operates a 34-hectare (84-acre) Category 4 sanitary landfill in Porac, Pampanga, with a daily processing capacity of 2,500 tons. Since opening in November 2021, the landfill has provided waste management solutions to three major cities in Pampanga, underscoring the company’s role in environmental sustainability.
This initiative serves as a model for other schools and communities seeking to reduce plastic waste while addressing resource shortages. By involving students, parents, and local stakeholders, “Lunes Malinis” fosters long-term environmental awareness and demonstrates how collective action can turn waste into a valuable resource.
As the project expands, it may inspire similar programs across the country, reinforcing the importance of sustainable waste management and education in building environmentally responsible communities.
