Recycling efforts gain ground in Seremban

(From left) SWCorp director Hazahar Hashim, Arul, Ong and Mohd Norlisam at the launch of the KITARecycle facility at Iringan Bayu.

EFFORTs to promote recycling in Negri Sembilan are gaining traction following the opening of a second KITARecycle drive-through by SWM Environment at Iringan Bayu in Seremban.

SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the centre would also help educate residents on the benefits of recycling and the need to safeguard the environment.

It was set up in collaboration with developer OSK Property Holdings Bhd.

He said SWM Environment and OSK Property Holdings had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) last November which paved the way for the centre’s establishment.

From last December until March this year, Mohd Norlisam said SWM Environment had opened a mobile drive-through KITARecycle counter on Saturdays, where workshops were also held to explain to residents about the project and how they could get rewards by recycling.

“The construction of the centre has been completed and we hope this will be a model for other developers,” he said at the launch by Negri Sembilan local government, housing and transport committee chairman J. Arul Kumar.

Mohd Norlisam added that the centre managed to collect three tonnes of recycled items within three months of signing the MOU.

“We are truly encouraged by this and expect to collect some 50 tonnes by the end of this year.”

He said since the waste management concessionaire launched its reward-based KITARecycle programme in September 2018, more than 1,000 tonnes of recyclable items had been collected.

It now has 10,730 people who have signed up for the KITARecycle programme.

Among items that can be recycled in return for points are paper, plastics, metal, batteries, electronic items and parts, smartphones, televisions and glass bottles.

Those keen to join the programme can sign up via the KITARecycle App.

OSK Property chief executive officer Ong Ghee Bin said the centre not only collected solid waste but also played a role in promoting the recycling culture and nature conservation among the community.

SWM Environment, he said, had also carried out four environmental awareness campaigns within the Iringan Bayu community, namely through educational programmes and workshops in schools, as well as activities with community groups.

“Users can collect points by bringing and separating items for recycling,” said Ong.

“The accumulated points can be converted into cash. This centre not only facilitates the collection of recycled materials, but also play an important role in reducing pollution and keeping the environment clean.

“In addition, through educational programmes and workshops, we can also shape the minds of future generations in encouraging recycling activities.”

Arul, in his speech, commended both parties, adding that the move would help reduce waste being sent to landfills and boost the circular economy, which sees products and materials being recycled, repaired and reused.

“The drive-through and drop-off methods make it easier for people to be involved.

“With such facilities in a residential area, it makes it easier for people to recycle,” he said.