Alaminos City: Residents of Alaminos City, Pangasinan can now exchange recyclable solid wastes for food items, thanks to the recently launched 'Palit Basura' program. This initiative by the city government aims to promote solid waste management and reduce the accumulation of non-biodegradable wastes.

According to Philippines News Agency, City Environment and Natural Resources officer-in-charge Rosalie Aruelo explained that the program allows residents to swap items such as plastic bottles, tin cans, aluminum cans, paper items including coupon bond and newspapers, tetra packs, PVCs, carton boxes, copper, metals, steels, and even dead vehicle batteries for groceries. The city has partnered with a junk shop that also operates a grocery store to facilitate the exchange.

Aruelo elaborated that the value of the recyclables will be matched with grocery items based on the prevailing prices at junkshops. She noted that the junk shop owner will process the collected waste, which must be cleaned and dried, into new products. The city collects approximately 30,000 kg of non-biodegradable waste daily.

The 'Palit Basura' program is now integrated into the city's monthly caravan, where various local government departments offer services to communities. Aruelo emphasized that this initiative is a significant step towards improving waste management practices in Alaminos City.