In Daet, Camarines Norte, students are now using collected plastic bottles as a form of payment for printing school projects, reflecting a creative approach to ongoing waste management challenges in the area.

The town continues to face significant waste management problems, including the absence of an approved engineered sanitary landfill.

The local government has shut down the old dumpsite due to environmental concerns.

In response, barangays in Daet are exploring various methods to manage the growing waste, especially plastic bottles.

Barangay III has introduced an initiative led by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to collect plastic bottles from students, which will be used as payment for printing their school projects.

"Yan po ay ibebenta po sa junkshop tapos ibibili din po ng mga bond paper na pwedeng gamitin po sa mga susunod na magpapa-print po na mga kabataan," Alysa Marie Dado, SK Chairperson of Barangay III, said.

The "Bote Mo, Print Ko" project has received support from local barangay officials and focuses on managing plastic waste while addressing students' needs. 

The barangay aims to improve the project over the coming years.

"Gaya pong sabi natin, ang Daet, Camarines Norte ay wala po tayong official dumpsite na pagtatapunan ng mga basura kaya naisip po natin na bawasan po yung tinatapon nating basura," Paul Stevens Ricasio, Chairman of the Committee on Education, said.

Authorities also urge residents to be responsible in managing their waste and to contribute to the community’s efforts in addressing the issue.