Empty PET bottles now have designated collection points inside several SM malls, following the rollout of Green Recycling Machines (GR Machines) by SM Prime Holdings Inc.
The machines, installed in select branches of SM Supermalls, are designed to collect and compress used PET bottles as part of the company’s broader waste management and sustainability efforts.
Machines Accept PET Bottles Up to Two Liters
Each GR Machine accepts PET bottles up to two liters in size. Once inserted, the bottles are compressed inside the unit to reduce volume and improve collection efficiency. Across all deployed units, the machines can collectively hold up to 5,000 bottles in a single cycle.
The compressed plastic blocks are then collected by SM’s accredited hauling partner, Sentinel, and processed into reusable products such as food trays.
According to SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, the initiative supports the company’s environmental program under the SM Green Movement. He said the machines aim to encourage customers to take part in recycling PET bottles during their regular mall visits.
Three-Step Deposit Process
Mallgoers can use the machines in three steps:
- Insert a PET bottle (up to two liters).
- Confirm the deposit through the on-screen prompt.
- Receive a corresponding reward.
The company said the system was designed to be user-friendly and accessible to the public.
Part of a Larger Waste Management Program
The rollout of the GR Machines builds on previous environmental programs led by SM. Through SM Cares, its corporate social responsibility arm, the company has promoted recycling and waste segregation initiatives across its properties.
Since 2007, SM has implemented its “Trash to Cash” recycling market, which allows customers to exchange segregated materials such as paper, metal, and plastic for cash. Reverse Vending Machines were also introduced in SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall, enabling customers to deposit aluminum cans and PET bottles in exchange for incentives.
SM also conducts annual coastal clean-up drives in various parts of the country through employee volunteer efforts.
Addressing Plastic Waste
The Philippines remains one of the top contributors to ocean plastic pollution in the East Asia and Pacific region, according to World Bank data. Reports estimate that hundreds of thousands of metric tons of plastic waste enter the ocean annually due to improper waste management.
By installing Green Recycling Machines for PET bottles inside malls, SM expands accessible recycling points in high-traffic public spaces. The company said the initiative forms part of its long-term effort to contribute to a more circular economy and reduce plastic waste leakage.
The GR Machines are currently available in the following malls: SM North EDSA, SM City San Lazaro, SM Megamall, SM The Podium, SM Aura, SM Southmall, SM Mall of Asia, S’Maison, SM Seaside City Cebu, and SM Lanang.
