Manila, Philippines – June 25, 2024 – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) proudly celebrates the third anniversary of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), an innovative project that has revolutionized waste management practices across Metro Manila. Launched on June 10, 2021, the MMRF initiative has already made significant strides in promoting proper waste segregation, recycling, and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The MMRF project, tagged as “Recyclable Mo, Palit Grocery Ko,” employs a commodity exchange system where residents can trade recyclable materials such as single-use plastics for essential goods. This initiative is one of the waste diversion programs under the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Component 2 which aims to “Minimize Wastes in Waterways” by increasing waste diversion, and by encouraging active participation in proper waste management.

In line with the objective of MMFMP, the MMRF initiative diverts waste that could otherwise reach the waterways if left uncollected. By reducing wastes in the waterways, the risk of blockages that can lead to severe flooding is minimized, thereby improving the flood management in Metro Manila. This proactive waste management approach is crucial for reducing the flood vulnerability of the region, especially during the rainy season.

Over the past three years, the MMRF project has already engaged 79 barangays from 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila. With a total of 7,587 registered participants, the project has collected a total of 457,058.97 kg of recyclables, of which 361,135.17 kg were purchased by junk shops and 95,923.80 kg were brought to the MMDA-operated Solid Waste Management Facility located at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila. In exchange, the project has distributed goods worth PHP 1,641,971.88 to participating residents.

After three years of continuous operations, the project is now able to identify barangays that are ready to implement the MMRF commodity exchange system on their own. These barangays are being capacitated to ensure sustained implementation after system turnover. As part of its future plans, the MMDA aims to continue the operation of MMRF in barangays not yet ready for turnover and seeks additional partnerships with LGUs and private sector to further enhance the project’s sustainability.

“The success of the MMRF project over the past three years is a testament to the power of community engagement and innovative waste management solutions. We are proud of the progress we have made and are committed to furthering our efforts to create a cleaner and more sustainable Metro Manila. The support and active participation of our residents and partners have been absolutely crucial in achieving these milestones,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes. 

Key Achievements:

• Barangay Engagement: 79 barangays from 17 LGUs have actively participated in the MMRF project.
• Participant Registration: A total of 7,587 residents (2,201 males, 5,379 females, and 7 LGBTQ+ individuals) have registered and contributed to the project.
• Recyclable Collection: The project has successfully collected 457,058.97 kg of recyclables, thereby improving waste segregation and increasing waste diversion among partner barangays
• Goods Distribution: Recyclable materials were exchanged for goods worth PHP 1,641,971.88.
• Partnerships: The project has formed partnerships with 42 junk shops and several private stakeholders, including Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) and Packaging Council of the Philippines (PPCP), ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.