‘Make use of affordable service to remove bulk waste on demand’

THE disposal of illegally dumped bulk waste is putting a squeeze on Subang Jaya City Council’s (MBSJ) financial resources and manpower.

Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim said the city council was forking out a large sum annually to clear illegally dumped bulk waste.

“Our in-house team does the clean-up and the amount includes the operations and landfill tipping fees. It is a waste of money,” he said.

“I want illegal waste dumping to stop. Just use the MBSJ’s on-demand waste collection service which is affordably priced.”

MBSJ workers carrying bulk waste from a house in Subang Jaya.

Mohd Fauzi said monies spent on clearing of waste would be better spent on providing better amenities for ratepayers.

MBSJ health environment officer Norzahirawaty Sihat said bulk waste was often dumped along quiet road stretches and corners in housing areas or at vacant lands.

“Clearing bulk waste dumped along roadsides is costing MBSJ RM200,000 annually,” she said.

Norzahirawaty said some residents would even drive out of their neighbourhood to dump bulk waste elsewhere.

“Subang Jaya residents have no excuse to dump bulk waste in undesignated areas, as MBSJ is providing on-demand bulk waste service for a minimal fee from between RM30 and RM150,” she said.

“In 2021, the city council’s on-demand service for bulk waste received 336 requests.

“In 2022, MBSJ received 523 requests and from January to November 2023, there were 473 requests.”

She said the requests increased during festive periods.

“Our on-demand bulk waste service helps people dispose of items such as mattresses, old furniture, sofas, large electrical appliances like refrigerators or washing machines,” she said.

“It is a service provided at residents’ request. People can get rid of unwanted bulky items at their convenience,” she added.

Norzahirawaty said MBSJ had collected RM29,250 from January to November in tipping fees but the actual amount needed was RM50,000.

“MBSJ is providing this service of bulk waste collection at the doorstep with reasonable fees to curb unlawful dumping and keep the city clean,” she said.

However, the service does not include collection of renovation debris and recyclables.

“We advise homeowners to place unwanted bulk items outside their main gate for collection,” said Norzahirawaty.

The collection service is combined with cleanliness awareness campaigns in neighbourhoods, she highlighted.

Since MBSJ only handles collection for landed properties, she said the joint management body of high-rise buildings must organise the collection and get the service of a private bulk waste collector.

Norzahirawaty said the council’s service was also not available to commercial lots.

“Businesses must hire private contractors registered with MBSJ to dispose of bulk items or industrial waste.”

She said MBSJ had relied on Residents Representatives Council in 24 areas, as well as put up banners and posters to create public awareness of ways to dispose of bulk waste.

“Common hotspots for illegally dumped bulk waste are in SS15, SS17, USJ2, USJ9 and USJ 11,” Norzahirawaty noted.

“Efforts are being made to get people to embrace MBSJ’s service for a cleaner environment,” she added.