Spike in solid waste collection during Ramadan

Source: thesun.my

PETALING JAYA: Alam Flora Sdn Bhd recorded an increase of 3,600 metric tonnes in solid waste collection as of the 20th day of Ramadan.

Its CEO Adam Saffian Ghazali said the amount includes waste from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Pahang, which are concession areas under the company.

He said unconsumed food at Ramadan bazaars significantly contributed to the increase.

"There is a surge in food sales at bazaars and a portion of the food often goes to waste due to overproduction, mishandling or spoilage.

"The extensive use of plastic and polystyrene packaging exacerbates the issue as these materials are non-biodegradable, contribute to environmental pollution and pose challenges to waste management efforts."

Adam said additional workers are assigned to locations with large crowds to manage the increased volume, adding that there has been a daily increase from 2,500 to 2,800 metric tonnes taken to disposal sites in Kuala Lumpur during Ramadan.

He also said based on statistics from 2019 to 2024, an increase in solid waste collection during Ramadan is expected, although an estimated 66% of food wastage could be avoided if the public knew how to store it properly and made careful purchases.

As of March 27, Alam Flora handled six to seven tonnes of waste generated daily at Ramadan bazaars in Precincts 3, 9, 11, 14 and 16 in Putrajaya.

Its services encompass collecting, cleaning and sorting recyclable waste and overseeing four specialised 1,000 litre bins for segregating liquid waste.

Alam Flora Putrajaya manager Mohamad Hafizudin Zainal said special segregation receptacles are provided daily for recyclable items of between 150kg to 170kg.

Four black bins are also allocated for up to two tonnes of liquid food waste disposal daily to avoid clogged drains and contamination to the Putrajaya Lake.

In addition, the company provides orange bins for the convenience of visitors at Iftar Square, operated jointly with Putrajaya Corporation.

"We provided the bins exclusively for food waste. Items such as plastic or polystyrene containers, shells, corn husks and recyclable materials should not be disposed of in them."

Adam said waste collection and cleaning services will proceed during Hari Raya and Alam Flora will continue to fulfil its responsibilities, and advised the public to prioritise sustainable practices such as buying reusable food containers and planning portions for iftar meals.

"If three plastic bags are used for each food purchase throughout the month of Ramadan, replacing the bags with reusable food containers would reduce 90 plastic bags or polystyrene containers.

"I also urge businesses not to waste unsold food but rather donate it to welfare homes or those in need."