The local government units of Tarangnan, Samar, and Carigara, Leyte have been encouraging residents to participate in the program that collects solid waste in exchange for food items.

In Tarangnan town, Mayor Arnel Tan said on Tuesday that residents are entitled to two kilograms of rice and several canned goods for every kilo of shredded plastic waste inside a 1.5 liter of a plastic bottle.

Students are also encouraged to participate, the local chief executive said.

“Each plastic waste inside a 1.5 liter bottle is equivalent to school supplies,” Tan said.

For those inclined into planting ornamentals, he said they created a semi-annual competition wherein participants will be encouraged to plant vegetables and fruit-bearing trees.

“We will select the best garden, most colorful, and with the most harvest, and they will receive a cash prize and some items,” Tan added.

He said the local government will provide seedlings and recycled materials for those who already established a backyard garden.

In Carigara town, the local government announced on its social media page that they will start the Project Barter in a bid to reduce the disposal of trash. Participants will get rice and canned goods.

A kilogram of garbage such as plastic bags and cups, milk tea cups, sachets of shampoo, coffee, milk, vinegar, soy sauce, and snack and candy wrappers, disposable spoon and fork can be exchanged with a kilogram of rice and a can of sardines.

Garbage that will be subject to barter should be cleaned thoroughly.