AS THE response to the Selangor’s first public domestic waste separation at source programme has been encouraging, there are plans to expand the project to other neighbourhoods.

Local Government, New Village Development and Legalising of Factories Committee chairman Ean Yong Hian Wah said the eight-week trash separation programme carried out received good support.

Four local councils involved in the waste separation from Sept 28 to Nov 22 last year were Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) and Hulu Selangor District Council (MDHS).

“Based on the overall recyclables collected for the eight weeks, the four councils collected a total of 6,091.1kg. Of the items, 34% was paper, 19% cardboard, 15% plastic and 11% glass. We are glad with the results,” he said.

Ean Yong added that the state was positive on the project and there were plans to expand the waste separation project to other neighbourhoods but the focus would be on landed properties and low-rise commercial areas.

“Our approach is to change the mindset of the people to embrace the project for a better environment and ensure it becomes a way of life.

“We have succeeded in the pilot project and have allowed the project to continue as people are comfortable with it,” he said.

He added that in the coming months, other chosen neighbourhoods would be announced.

Unlike the waste segregation programme in the Federal Territory, households in Selangor need only put paper (newspaper and cardboard) and containers (plastic and aluminium) into one durable, large and clear plastic bag.

One bag a week is still being given for free to households and business proprietors under the pilot project.

Ean Yong said the rationale behind the programme was straight forward as landfills were running out of space and the councils need to reduce the waste loads.

“We need people to separate their waste for recycling, it will help to minimise the amount of waste requiring disposal.

“Waste separation in housing areas is paramount to ensuring the success of this programme,” he said.

Ean Yong added that the approach being used was convenient, cost-effective and met local needs.

The Article Source http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/01/19/waste-separation-to-extend-to-other-neighbourhoods-in-selangor/.