The city government is stepping up efforts to reduce waste and cut garbage-related costs by promoting an upcycling program that turns discarded plastics into useful furniture.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said barangay officials have been directed to collect and temporarily store cleaned and dried single-use plastics, such as sachets, bottle caps and rings, and bubble wrap, at their materials recovery facilities.

Once the collected plastics reach about 35 kilograms, they can be converted into a sturdy adult-sized armchair through an upcycling company with the required technology.

He noted that the initiative offers an opportunity to turn waste into something beneficial rather than allowing it to harm health, safety, and the environment.

“Finally, we have this opportunity to transform some of our waste into something useful and beneficial,” the mayor said in an interview.

“Let us take this opportunity to reduce the waste that we are discarding, waste that otherwise ends up either in the city’s collection points or along roads or waterways. It’s either these be transformed into something that can benefit us or be an added burden and cause damage to our health and safety. Let us choose the former.”

He explained that the early collection drive aims to raise awareness, encourage community participation, and gauge public receptiveness as the city moves toward a circular economy focused on waste reduction and resource recovery.

Barangay officials were also asked to actively promote segregation and collection among their constituents.

To support the initiative, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recently turned over 10 trucks to barangays (villages) identified as pilot areas for the circular economy program.

City Information Officer Aileen Refuerzo said the initiative not only contributes to environmental protection but also addresses Baguio’s mounting garbage problem, which costs the city about PHP200 million annually in hauling and tipping fees for 200 to 250 tons of waste generated daily.

A sustained information campaign on proper waste management and segregation is also underway, as the city views public participation as key to the program’s success. (PNA)