Every first Friday and Saturday of the month, SM Supermalls transforms into a hub of sustainability through its nationwide "Trash to Cash" (TTC) recycling market, where individuals can exchange recyclable waste for cash.

This initiative, part of SM Supermalls’ Waste-Free Future campaign, has been a long-running program since 2007 that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and environmental awareness while also benefiting communities financially.

Held across 87 SM malls nationwide, the TTC program provides a convenient and accessible platform for shoppers, tenants and local communities to participate in sustainable waste management.

By ensuring that recyclables are properly sorted and repurposed, TTC actively contributes to the circular economy, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to responsible environmental stewardship.

The impact of TTC has been remarkable. In 2024 alone, the initiative successfully collected more than 12 million kilograms of recyclables, generating a total of over P28 million in earnings for participants.

This is equivalent to 204,000 trees saved if all recyclable wastes are paper or a reduction of 18,000 tons of carbon emission if all recyclable wastes are plastic. More than just a recycling initiative, TTC empowers individuals, organizations and businesses by making sustainability a rewarding and community-driven practice.

“TTC is more than just a recycling program — it’s a movement that enables communities to turn environmental responsibility into real opportunities. By participating, people not only contribute to waste reduction but also gain financial incentives, proving that sustainability can be both impactful and rewarding,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan.