The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched the “Basura Buster” mobile gaming application as an alternative tool to practice proper waste segregation, especially designed for children 5 to 8 years of age.

Basura Buster is a web-based gaming application that teaches players proper waste segregation in an educational and entertaining manner.

It was launched as one of the projects under the DENR’s Solid Waste Management Advocacy Campaign, which seeks to instill better environmental behavior among Filipinos.

Through the campaign, the DENR will be enlisting the youth by strengthening partnerships and collaborations, technology, as well as information, education, and communication.

“Amidst the pandemic, solid waste management is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges in our country today. And as technology is evidently valuable in the education of children, we have created this educational game app to build a firm foundation on managing solid waste while they are still young,” said DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu.

“I’d like to invite parents and children to download the Basura Buster game app on their phones and tablets. Through this app, we hope to spread awareness, change behavior, and train kids on environmental protection that they can practice at home,” added DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and Local Government Units (LGUs) Concerns Benny D. Antiporda.

Basura Buster is free for download at the Google Play Store. It is a simple drag and drop game where players will place “falling” trash in the correct trash bin.

Trash bins are color-coded according to the nationally accepted standards to educate kids on proper segregation and disposal—green for biodegradable waste, black for residual, blue for recyclable, and yellow for household healthcare.

Built with fun animation, each correct match allows players to earn points and get the chance to advance to the next level or lose “lives” and repeat the level for incorrect matches.

Each level holds different degrees of difficulty as the number of colored trash bins to match and its speed increase.

The app also features a leaderboard where players can see top scores and compete with kids nationwide, and even with those from other countries.

The Basura Buster App is a project by the DENR’s Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service and DENR-Environmental Management Bureau’s Solid Waste Management Division. ###

Published: 19 October 2021