Baguio: The city government of Baguio is enhancing its waste management strategies by introducing an upcycling program that repurposes discarded plastics into functional furniture, thereby reducing waste and related expenses.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benjamin Magalong has instructed barangay officials to gather and temporarily store cleaned and dried single-use plastics at their materials recovery facilities. These plastics include items such as sachets, bottle caps, rings, and bubble wrap. Once the collected plastics reach approximately 35 kilograms, they can be transformed into a durable adult-sized armchair with the help of an upcycling company equipped with the necessary technology.

Mayor Magalong highlighted the initiative as an opportunity to convert waste into beneficial products, preventing potential harm to health, safety, and the environment. He emphasized the importance of choosing sustainable options that reduce waste accumulation in city collection points, roads, or waterways. The initiative is part of a broader effort to move towards a circular economy, focusing on waste reduction and resource recovery.

Additionally, barangay officials have been encouraged to promote waste segregation and collection among residents actively. To bolster the program, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided 10 trucks to barangays designated as pilot areas for the circular economy initiative.

City Information Officer Aileen Refuerzo stated that the program addresses Baguio's pressing garbage issue, which costs the city approximately PHP200 million annually in hauling and tipping fees for 200 to 250 tons of waste produced daily. A continuous information campaign on proper waste management and segregation is also in progress, recognizing public participation as vital to the program's success.