By Zaki Salleh
Photo: MBI
IPOH: Residents of Ipoh city are encouraged to practise recycling starting from home through the Trash4Cash programme introduced by the Ipoh City Council (MBI) in collaboration with strategic partners.
This initiative allows recyclable waste to be exchanged for cash.
From the beginning of 2023 until now, approximately 417.6 tons of used cooking oil have been collected, resulting in a reduction of 7.202 tons of CO2 emissions.
According to Ipoh Mayor Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, from 2021 to 2024, a total of 323.72 tons of e-waste was collected, contributing to a reduction of 281.63 tons of CO2 emissions.
“MBI is also collaborating with strategic partners such as Majuperak Utilities Management (M) Sdn. Bhd. (MUMSB) for the Trash4Cash recycling activities, as well as partners for e-waste, used cooking oil, and used tires.
“Thanks to the cooperation with MUMSB, the first Automatic Drive-Thru Recycling Center (ADTReC) for Trash4Cash was launched in March 2023 at Padang Lintau Manjoi.
“The second ADTReC has been operational since April 2024 at the Taman Meru Community Hall.
“Through the 3R Trash4Cash programme (from January 2023 to July 2024), the total collection of recyclable materials amounted to 94,979.09 kg, with participation from 2,401 residents.
“The amount collected at ADTReC was 8,570.75 kg, with 1,393 residents participating,” he stated.
He said this during World Clean-up Day in Ipoh.
Rumaizi explained that the impact of the Trash4Cash recycling activities resulted in an estimated reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 283,973.16 kg CO2.
One of the main objectives of the Trash4Cash recycling programme is to maximise community, industrial, commercial, and institutional (ICI) involvement in recycling activities.
Meanwhile, around 300 participants, including MBI staff and community associations, took part in a mega cleanup event for World Clean-up Day in Ipoh.
The programme focused on cleaning areas, trimming trees, clearing drains, sweeping, and more.
So far this year, up to August, MBI has conducted 49 cleanup programmes involving MBI council members and other participating institutions.
