NEARLY 3,800 tonnes of recyclables have been collected under the KITARecycle programme in Johor since it began in 2020 to May this year, reflecting growing public awareness of waste separation and recycling.
SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said almost 80,000 people participated in the programme.
“Paper products account for the largest share of recyclables collected in Johor at 2,359 tonnes, followed by plastics at 397 tonnes and metal at 385 tonnes.
“We have also collected 339 tonnes of food-and-beverage glass bottles,” he added in a media statement.
Mohd Norlisam attributed the achievement to sustained recycling initiatives by SWM Environment’s 3R Troopers in collaboration with local authorities and corporate partners.
They include mobile recycling counters and drive-through collection programmes which make it easier for the public to drop off their items.
“Schools have also played an important role in boosting collection volumes through sustainability education initiatives, including the Iskandar Malaysia Ecolife Challenge (IMELC).
“We are encouraged by the growing participation from schools, communities and industries, which shows that recycling is gradually becoming part of people’s lifestyle,” said Mohd Norlisam.
To date SWM Environment, along with local councils and corporate partners, have established 39 KITARecycle facilities throughout Johor.
Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP) has the highest number of facilities in its jurisdiction, with five centres.
The centres, which were developed under the Iskandar Puteri Low-Carbon Initiative, have collected around 1,200 tonnes of recyclable materials.
Meanwhile, Pasir Gudang has recorded a gradual increase in recycling activities since KITARecycle was introduced, with cumulative collections reaching 244 tonnes.
From January to June this year, some 48 tonnes of recyclables were collected from about 4,508 registered KITARecycle users in Pasir Gudang, comprising individuals, schools and industrial players.
Mohd Norlisam said SWM Environment aimed to collect 10,000kg of recyclables at the newly opened drive-through recycling centre in Taman Bandar Bukit Layang-Layang by the end of the year, after collecting nearly 2,000kg since the facility began operations last month.
The CCTV-monitored facility, which was opened by Pasir Gudang mayor Datin Paduka Hazlina Jalil, consists of two re-purposed shipping containers equipped with six slots for recyclable materials, including paper, beverage cartons, plastic bottles and glass bottles.
Users are required to separate recyclables according to category and label each package with their KITARecycle account number before depositing them.
KITARecycle, which is a reward-based programme, allows members to collect points and redeem them for a money transfer.
Among the 25 items that can be recycled in return for points are metals, batteries, electronic items, smartphones, television sets and glass bottles.
Those interested can sign up at kitarecycle.com or via the KITARecycle app.
Also present was Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) chief whip Razani Abdul Rauf.
