Recycling corner encourages better waste management

Volunteers removing the labels from bottles to be recycled during the launch of the recycling corner in Taman Tasek Jaya, Ipoh.

THE Taman Tasek Jaya Rukun Tetangga in Ipoh has set up a recycling corner to encourage its residents to segregate their waste and improve waste management in the neighborhood.

Its chairman Ahmad Zainuddin Abdul Latif said they started the initiative in January and recycling would reduce the amount of waste ending up in rivers.

“The recyclables collected will be sold to an authourised vendor on a monthly basis.

“The income generated will be used to financially support our future community activities including the maintenance of this recycling corner and a new mini eco-park, ” he added.

Ahmad Zainuddin said the eco-park next to the recycling corner was created with the help of Quest International University (QIU) Perak students who painted murals and planted trees.

“They also helped us clean the drains in the neighbourhood, ” he said.

The launch was organised with Global Environment Centre (GEC) and with the partnership of the Ipoh City Council, Perak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) and the Kinta National Unity and Integration Department.

It is part of the Integrated Management of Upper Kinta Basin by GEC in collaboration with the Hasanah Foundation and DID to conserve the forest and riverine habitats in the river basin.

City council community development department director Romzi Zamri said Sungai Kinta was the main source of water supply for city folk.

“It is important for every stakeholder, including governmental agencies, the private sector and the public to start taking steps in conserving our precious bodies of water.

“Improving waste management via recycling is one of the best management practices that the residents can adopt to increase the effectiveness of river conservation, ” he added.

Romzi said Taman Tasek Jaya was located at the Sungai Kinta basin, with rainwater that falls there flowing across to the river and the sea.

“Poor waste management or any discarded waste in the area will end up in the river.

“It is great to see the Rukun Tetangga take steps to ensure the cleanliness of their neighbourhood through recycling activities, ” he said.