CEMEX supports MMDA on waste management of election campaign materials

The May 2022 national and local elections in the Philippines left tons of election posters and banners across the country with no more use, and left undisposed  may end up in waterways or fill more space in landfills.

In line with global CEMEX’s commitment to reduce carbon footprint every step of the way, CEMEX Philippines will co-process these election-related materials in its Solid Cement Plant in Antipolo City. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will consolidate these materials such as tarpaulin, banners, and posters all over the metro.

“Working with external partners further supports the pillars of CEMEX’s Future in Action agenda focused on developing lower-carbon products, solutions, and processes and become a net-zero CO₂ company,” Luis Franco, CEMEX Philippines President said.

“Efforts such as this prevent wastes from ending in landfills and waterways, and by co-processing helps lessen dependence of fossil fuels through the use of alternative energy sources,” Franco added.

An initial 3,000 kgs of discarded election campaign materials were collected by CEMEX’s haulers from the MMDA site located in EDSA-Ortigas in Quezon City.  These materials go through pre-treatment process before going to the plant’s co-processing facility.

Co-processing is a proven sustainable waste disposal solution recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. It involves the use of a cement kiln, a furnace continuously operating at extremely hot temperatures of around 1,500 degrees Celsius that guarantees the complete breakdown of waste and toxic substances, ensuring that no residual waste materials are created. Co-processing effectively reduces wastes being dumped on landfills and water bodies which is in line with the company’s commitment on sustainability and environmental management.