By Fitri Hazim Hazam
PETALING JAYA, June 21 — A total of 4,176,838 kilogrammes of recyclable materials were collected from 2021 to 2023 through the PJ Eco Recycling Plaza, an initiative by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) to showcase its waste separation efforts.
This is roughly equivalent to the weight of 30 blue whales, the largest animal on the planet.
MBPJ Solid Waste Management Department director Zain Azly Abdul Rahman said 2023 recorded the highest collection at 1,674,611 kg, followed by 2022 (1,579,217 kg) and 2021 (923,010 kg).
"For 2023, the most collected items included cardboard boxes, which amounted to 651,156 kg, followed by plastics (365,726 kg) and bottles (182,823 kg).
"Other recyclable items included metal cans (105,992 kg), aluminum cans (34,996 kg), beverage cartons (16,177 kg), and electronics (7,130 kg)," he said.
Zain Azly made these remarks following Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah’s visit to the recycling facility here yesterday, in conjunction with the Gagasan Rumpun Selangor programme.
Apart from being a collection center for recyclable items, Zain Azly said the plaza also has an upcycling workshop, a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) exhibition corner, seminar rooms and a children's activity area, which have been open to the public since April 2023.
"The Eco Recycling Plaza project also involves cooperation between MBPJ and six strategic partners from the corporate sector, namely F&N, Spark Foundation, CH Green, INTCO, Impact Lution and Tetra Pak.
"This year, up until May, the plaza has received 6,379 visitors. In 2023, it welcomed 10,630 visitors," he said.
