Waste segregation is not new to residents of the PLDT-Smart Amazing Gawad Kalinga Village in Sooc, Arevalo, Iloilo, who used to scavenge for recyclables and scrap materials in the city’s streets and dumpsites to sell to junk dealers.

This time, however, they are practicing it in their own homes as part of a solid waste management program initiated by Smart Communications, Inc. in partnership with environmental organization Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc.

Smart and EDNPI recently conducted a solid waste management training among 68 residents to help them initiate and implement a sustainable zero waste management system in line with GK’s Green Kalinga Program.

“We want the residents to look at waste segregation not only as part of scavenging, but as an eco-friendly practice in their own homes. We want them to see that with solid waste management, they can get additional income from the waste and they can also help preserve the environment by reducing waste,” said Smart public affairs senior manager for VisMin Atty. Jane Paredes.

During the training, the residents drafted a solid waste management agreement for the village. They also came up with methods on how to teach and set up the solid waste management program, how to implement and sustain it, and how the residents can earn from the practice of solid waste management.

Each resident will be given a copy of the GK Sooc solid waste management application agreement along with the steps of solid waste management via a poster, which they will be asked to put up in their homes to serve as their guide and reminder.

“We really need the support and cooperation of everyone in the village to successfully implement the waste segregation and solid waste management program,” explained GK Sooc Kapitbahayan chairwoman Herminia Pineda.

A Materials Recovery Facility was also set up within the village. The MRF will serve as storage for residual waste that can neither be recycled nor composted.

“By identifying the waste produced by the residents and brought to the MRF, we can recommend possible livelihood projects. For example, garden brick-making is an option if there is a huge volume of plastic bags, candy and junk food wrappers. The wrappers and plastics can be shredded and included in the mixture used to create the garden bricks,” said EDNPI’s Binggirl Clemente.

“These garden bricks may then be sold to homeowners or small businesses.”