(From right) Chew, Sundarajoo (showing competition poster), Tan and Riiicycle Tech manager Chuah Ying Ying promoting the “I am EcoChamps” competition. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
A COMPETITION that encourages people to trade in their recyclable items for cash using an app has been launched.
The “I am EcoChamps!” competition is a collaboration between Penang Green Council (PGC) and Riiicycle Tech Sdn Bhd, said the company’s founder Chew Chin Huat.
“Individuals are encouraged to register as Penang Green Citizens and download the app to participate in the competition which aims to turn recycling awareness into action.
“We are committed to enhancing recycling through the ‘infrastructure-knowledge engagement’ model.
“This involves establishing recycling stations, enabling residential ewaste collection, installing more than 40 ewaste bins statewide and conducting collection campaigns in high-rise buildings,” he told a press conference at Komtar.
Chew hopes that management corporations from more high-rise buildings would take part.
For landed properties, there will be a door-to-door campaign, where registrants will have their recycling items collected every Saturday, he said.
“Together we can move towards a trash-free environment.
“Last year, we collected 20 metric tonnes of recyclable waste and 1,000 electronic items which were sent to companies registered with the state,” he said
For competition details, visit Riicycle’s website or its social media page.
The recycling competition will span the whole year, with quarterly rounds.
The first round, which started on Jan 8, ends on March 31.
Also at the press conference was state housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who said Penang was committed to keeping its “green leader” status.
“But we must advance and not rest on our laurels.
“During a recent visit to Chennai, I saw how India has progressed and outpaced us with its green initiatives.”
Sundarajoo said that as the Penang Tamil Schools Special Committee chairman, he had seen commendable green initiatives by Tamil schools.
“I hope to witness similar efforts in promoting environmental consciousness within national schools.
“I also plan to provide affordable homes with green certification.”
PGC general manager Josephine Tan announced the organisation’s upcoming incentive programmes.
The application window for the Penang Green Schools Award, Penang Green Event Incentives, Penang Green Office Certification and Food Waste Challenge Incentive is from Feb 15 to July 31.
Applications for Penang Green Kindy Incentives can be sent from Feb 15 to May 31.
Individuals who wish to participate in the Penang Green Journalism initiative can submit their applications from March 1 to June 30.
For more details, visit PGC’s official website or social media page.
