Repeating the cycle: A collage showing the process of using the Kompos@Bazar machine at the Ramadan bazaar in Mahkota Square, Kuantan, Pahang.
PETALING JAYA: A first-time eco-friendly solution to solve food waste problems in Ramadan bazaars? You bet.
The Pahang chapter of Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) is running a campaign at Mahkota Square Bazaar in Kuantan that uses a compost machine to convert excess food into plant fertiliser.
Called Kompos@Bazar, the effort is carried out in collaboration with Kuantan City Council.
Pahang SWCorp director Sharudin Hamid said the programme encourages people to recycle excess food and reduce food waste that goes to landfills.
“It’s the first time we are introducing the campaign and we hope people will recycle their food with our machine,” he said when contacted.
According to Sharudin, as much as 120kg of food waste had been collected as of Saturday and 3kg of compost fertiliser had been produced for local gardeners.
“The machine can receive up to 25kg of food waste at a time and continue working for 48 hours straight.
“An average of 7kg of food waste is recycled each day, and 30% of the recycled food is used to make compost for gardening,” he added.
Sharudin said the compost was given to gardeners to grow new plants around town.
Asked if the campaign will be introduced in other parts of Pahang or other states, Sharudin said it was not possible for the time being.
“We only have one compost machine at the moment. However, we will be discussing with Kuantan City Council for any follow-ups.
“Our campaign is an initiative specially to reduce food waste and encourage food recycling during Ramadan,” he said.
According to Sharudin, a total of 17,000 tonnes of excess food were sent to landfills each day, and 24% of it was still edible.
