Pilot ewaste project for Bandar Utama

A PILOT ewaste collection project will soon kick off at participating petrol stations in Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya, Selangor to encourage the public to dispose of ewaste items.

Bandar Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the aim was to make it easier for the public to dispose of small ewaste items such as batteries and powerbanks.

“One of the challenges with ewaste is that people feel it is difficult to find a suitable place for its disposal.

“Unlike the treatment of domestic waste, they have to go to specific places to dispose of ewaste.

“Through this project, we are working with three petrol stations in Bandar Utama constituency as these are public places frequently visited by people.

“This pilot project will allow us to understand the risks involved.

(From right) Nor Aziah, Jamaliah and Haris marking the launch of a state-level National Environment Day event. With them are (from left) Rahilah and Johary. — Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

“There is a need to ensure safety at these petrol stations since ewaste contains hazardous materials,” said Jamaliah, who is Selangor public health and environment committee chairman.

She said the participating petrol station companies were BHPetrol and PETRONAS but did not specify their exact location.

Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) director Nor Aziah Jaafar said the project’s infrastructure details were being finalised and estimated that the project would start by December at the latest.

“Three petrol stations have been identified for a start, because not all petrol stations are suitable as collection points for ewaste.

“This project is only for small ewaste items, and not large ones such as televisions or air conditioners,” she said.

Jamaliah said the drop-off boxes would have a list of ewaste items that could be disposed of.

“We will also need to look into collection frequency to ensure ewaste items don’t accidentally leak chemicals and pose a safety problem when left too long in the collection bin,” she said.

“There are existing ewaste collection points offered by selected local authorities (in Selangor), but not all such agencies have them or they may be located at places less frequented by the public.”

Jamaliah was speaking after launching a state-level National Environment Day (Hari Alam Sekitar Negara) 2023 event, representing Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

The event to mark National Environment Day, which is observed on Oct 21, was organised by Selangor DOE in collaboration with Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (Upen).

At the event held at Setia City Convention Centre, Shah Alam, Jamaliah presented certificates of appreciation to representatives of the three petrol stations that will be participating in the pilot ewaste collection project.

Some 10 companies and government agencies set up booths showcasing their environmental initiatives at the event.

She also launched a coffee table book titled Khazanah Alam: Kelestarian Dan Kerentanan Tanah Gambut Negeri Selangor.

Also present were state secretary Datuk Haris Kasim, Selangor state deputy secretary (development) Datuk Johary Anuar and Petaling District officer Rahilah Rahmat.