Smart waste solution lab helps ease dumping problem in SS2

CH Green Sdn Bhd director Ang Lee Kaw (second right) showing Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin (third right), Johary (purple gloves) and other MBPJ representatives on how the sorting process is done before the organic waste is processed and placed into the compost machines at the PJ Smart Waste Solution Lab in SS2. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

WASTE in Petaling Jaya is expected to reduce by half, thanks to the Petaling Jaya City Council’s (MBPJ) new Smart Waste Solution Lab in SS2.

The waste solution lab, located in Jalan SS2/63, uses the circular economy method where waste is recycled into items to benefit society.

“We have been living on a linear economy, where trash is disposed directly to the landfill.

“But if we can turn the linear into circular economy, then more trash will be recycled and less trash sent to landfills,” said Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Johary Anuar at the launch of the Waste Solution Lab in SS2.

He added that the project was in line with MBPJ’s Sustainable 2030 plan and New Urban Agenda to transform Petaling Jaya into a green city.

Currently, about 600 tonnes of waste is disposed of a day, based on an MBPJ study with 49% comprising organic waste.

“If all the organic waste can be recycled and made into compost, we can ultimately reduce waste by half,” he said.

The lab in SS2 is a pilot project, which went fully operational in May.

It has been processing 15 tonnes of food waste, daily, in two compost machines.

The waste is turned into liquid fertiliser, biogas and detergent.

The compost machines are currently managed by CH Green Sdn Bhd, which was appointed by MBPJ in November last year.

The company also plays a role to educate officers about green technology and composting.

“After two years, the machines and the waste solution lab will be handed over to MBPJ to manage, so we will have to learn everything,” said Johary.

Now, only 300 hawkers from the SS2 morning market, food court and Ibu Mee stalls are contributing to the organic waste.

MBPJ is hoping residents and hawkers in other Petaling Jaya areas will soon follow suit.

Next year, another waste solution and recycling centre will be set up in SS8, where the former Giant supermarket used to be.

“This centre will be open to the public to drop off recyclables and also organic food waste.

“Soon, we will also have more compost machines at other markets or hawker areas,” he said.

Also at the event was Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin who described the move by MBPJ to turn the once smelly rubbish dumpsite into a waste solution lab as a good initiative.

“For years the area used to be a smelly dumpsite. Now, we have this lab and there is no more smell or indiscriminate dumping but an educational green site, instead,” she said.

Apart from the compost machines, there is also an education centre that is open to public from 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

Visitors can learn about benefits of going green, recycling and view the gallery as well as see the anaerobic digester machine on display.

There is also a mini green house with vegetation and plants, fertilised by the bio-organic fertiliser produced from organic waste.

The public can purchase the organic fertiliser and other products made from the compost machine at the education centre.