Joint campaign out to address disposal of hazardous household waste

Tan, flanked by Trienekens chief operating officer Alice Lee (left) and NREB Sarawak Corporate Affairs Division head Christhe Mansom, promote the joint campaign at a press conference.

KUCHING (Feb 18): The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP), Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, Department of Environment (DOE) Sarawak, and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (Trienekens) have joined hands to introduce a new campaign to assist the public safely dispose of small household waste containing hazardous elements.

Through MPP’s Electrical and Electronic Waste (BEE) Collection Campaign, the accepted items include small lithium batteries, empty lubricant containers, empty paint containers, spent fluorescent tubes, aerosol cans, and pesticide containers.

These household items with hazardous elements will be categorised as Other Household Waste (OHW) and collected on a quarterly basis, according to a press release.

MPP chairman Tan Kai said the OHW campaign provides a safe, accessible way for residents to dispose of hazardous household waste responsibly, preventing improper disposal in landfills or green bins.

“Our priority is to protect public health and the environment while promoting sustainable waste management,” he added.

According to NREB Sarawak Controller of Environmental Quality Datu Jack Liam, hazardous household waste accounted for 4.2 per cent of domestic waste disposed of in household bins and landfills daily.

He said NREB is excited to support this initiative in creating a systematic and sustainable solution for managing such waste, especially in view of the current limited safe disposal options available.

Meanwhile, Trienekens Group chief executive officer Stephen Chin said the company looks forward to working with NREB, DOE, and MPP to introduce this initiative.

“Through this campaign, OHW can be removed from the general waste stream, treated, and disposed of safely using prescribed methods, minimising its environmental impact.”

The OHW collection campaign, which will commence on March 8, offers free and safe disposal for small household waste with hazardous elements for volume under 1kg.

Volumes between 1kg to 3kg will incur a charge of RM2.30 per kg, while larger volumes will be subject to commercial rates based on the type of scheduled waste.

The BEE Collection Campaign is an annual initiative by MPP that encourages residents to recycle and earn money while doing so.

Supported by NREB Sarawak and DOE Sarawak, as well as vendors and non-governmental organisations such as Trienekens, DNS Waste Management, Kim Huang Enterprise and Tzu Chi Association Kuching, the campaign promotes recycling of materials including used cartons, plastics, aluminium, e-waste, used clothing, and cooking oil.

By incorporating OHW into the campaign, the initiative further strengthens the municipality’s commitment to a circular economy and sustainable living practices.

For more information, individuals can contact Trienekens Hotline on 082-612300.