KANGAR: Rubbish collection may be staggered to ensure recyclables and hazardous wastes are not mixed with other household discards.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Azmi Khalid said the present system of collection defeated the purpose of having separate bins for glass, plastics and other types of waste when all of them are dumped together in a garbage truck.
To avoid this, certain days might be designated for the collection of a specific type of waste, he said.
 |
PUT TO GOOD USE: Azmi taking a closer look at items made by students from recycled materialsat an exhibition in conjunction with the Environment Jamboree in Padang Besar, Perlis,on Monday. — Bernamapic |
“The ministry will study how other countries run an effective collection system,” he said after the launch of Malaysia Environment Week 2006 by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim yesterday.
Azmi also pointed out that only 30% of wastes in landfills were biodegradable while the rest were recyclable.
The minister lamented that many did not know how to dispose of batteries, which contained toxic materials.
He said a disposal area for hazardous wastes was already available in Bukit Nenas, Negri Sembilan.
Earlier, Shahidan presented the Langkawi Award 2006 to 66-year-old Bishan Singh for his contribution to environmental conservation.
Bishan had been president of the Pahang Association of Consumers for 20 years. He now heads Sustainable Development Network Malaysia.
