TO curb landfill overflow and provide a low-cost energy source, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) of Batanes launched on Jan. 29 an initiative that transforms discarded paper into a practical, sustainable fuel alternative.
The project, “Sustainable Conversion of Paper Wastes into Eco-Friendly Charcoal Briquettes: A Green Energy Solution,” supports Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which promotes proper waste segregation, recycling and waste diversion.
Penro officer Victoria Baliuag, who leads the project, said, “The procedures for producing eco-friendly charcoal briquettes are simple, affordable and sustainable. This is one simple thing that we can do for the environment.”
The project’s primary goal is to reduce paper waste while delivering accessible, environmentally-friendly fuel to households across the island province. The process uses readily available, low-cost materials — waste paper, water, a mixing basin and a briquette molder — making it easy for community members to replicate.
The steps are straightforward: shred waste paper into small pieces and soak them in water until they form a soft pulp; press the pulp firmly into a briquette molder, compressing it tightly to ensure compactness; and then dry the molded briquettes in a well-ventilated area until completely hardened.
Baliuag said the briquettes, once dried, can be used for cooking and other household heating needs, offering a renewable alternative to traditional charcoal and reducing reliance on wood-based fuel.
Clean-burning fuel
By recycling and upcycling paper, the project significantly cuts the volume of waste that would otherwise end up in sanitary landfills. It lowers greenhouse gas emissions and extends landfill life. At the same time, it creates a clean-burning, low-smoke fuel that can help households save money on energy costs.
“This initiative proves that simple solutions can create a significant environmental impact,” Baliuag said. “By converting paper waste into usable charcoal briquettes, we are strengthening our commitment to sustainable waste management while empowering communities to participate in climate-resilient practices.”
Local officials and community leaders have welcomed the program, noting its potential to create micro-enterprises around briquette production, generate supplemental income and foster a culture of waste segregation at the source.
Training workshops are being scheduled for barangay volunteers, women’s groups and youth organizations, ensuring that knowledge of the technique spreads throughout the province.
The launch event, held at the Penro office in Basco, Batanes, featured a live demonstration of the briquette-making process, with participants producing their first batch of briquettes on site. Attendees received starter kits containing shredded paper, a small molder and instructional leaflets, enabling them to begin production immediately in their own homes.
As Batanes continues to champion environmental stewardship, Baliuag underscored that the project stands as “a tangible example of how grassroots innovation can address waste management challenges while delivering practical benefits to residents.”
Meanwhile, the provincial government said it also plans to monitor the project’s outcomes. It aims to scale up production and potentially integrate the briquettes into local markets and government-run feeding programs.