BOTOLAN, Zambales — Taking one step further toward pollution control, resource management, and environmental protection, the local government unit of Botolan recently launched its “Pera sa Basura/ Junkshop on Wheels” program.

Mayor Jun Omar Ebdane said that with this project, the LGU endeavors to promote recycling and reuse of waste materials in the community, as well as to provide a means for residents to make extra income.

“This is about making the community cleaner and healthier, and, at the same time, it’s also about turning trash into cash,” Ebdane said. “We are gunning for a more efficient waste collection by giving residents an incentive to help in the proper sorting and disposing of wastes,” he added.

Under the program, the LGU through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) will be paying out cash for collected recyclable wastes like paper, metal, glass, and plastic.

Dry and clean plastic wastes like candy and snack food wrappers, shampoo sachets, and plastic bags will be paid P10 per kilo, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles will be paid P6 per kilo. On the other hand, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic will be paid P4 per kilo.

Meanwhile, white paper wastes will fetch P3 per kilo, mixed-color paper will be paid P1 per kilo, while carton will be priced at P1 per kilo.

Glass bottles will be priced from P.80 to P1.50 per kilo, while broken glass (bubog) will fetch P.50 per kilo.

Tin can will get a price of P8 per kilo, GI sheet P9 per kilo, and aluminum cans will fetch P45 per kilo.

The program, Mayor Ebdane said, will be exclusive to Botolan residents. Households, business establishments, schools, and organizations may bring the recyclables to the MENRO, the Botolan municipal hall, or their respective barangay offices. — Taktikom News & Features