Set up centralised bulk waste collection centres, urge residents

PETALING JAYA: There should be centralised bulk waste collection centres for the convenience of the people, say residents’ associations.

They said most people tend to dispose of bulk waste when carrying out spring cleaning ahead of festivities or while moving homes.

According to activist Selva Sugumaran, having a dedicated place would be convenient for people when clearing their homes of old furniture.

“In my area in Section 14 here, there has been an increase in accumulated rubbish in most corners. The bulk waste collections are done every alternate day, but recently, they can’t be cleared in one day.

“As such, more trips must be made to clear the rubbish. I pity the contractors as they have more work to do.

“That is why the authorities should set up an area in Petaling Jaya for bulk waste disposal while charging money based on the amount collected,” he told The Star.

Damansara Jaya Residents and Owners Association president Dr Ong See Lian shared a similar view.

“These bulk waste tend to accumulate about three to four times a year when there are festive celebrations. But the local council has also made early preparations to collect them via schedules or requests.

“Most people are throwing away not only furniture but also their non-functioning electrical goods. There were some residents who gave away their still usable items to those who wanted them.

“The exception is items made of glass. As for old lampshades, they have been wrapped properly to avoid any breakage so that the collectors or others don’t get hurt,” he said.

Ong added that previously, there was a recycling centre but it was misused when all sorts of items were discarded there.

As such, having a waste centre would make better sense to allow people to dispose of their items, he said.

Damansara Utama Residents and Owners Association president Habeeb Rahman said there will be a scheduled collection on Jan 27 for their area’s bulk waste.

“So far, the preparations are okay because we have informed the residents via our group message.

“Now all they have to do is leave them properly outside of their homes a day before the collection date.

“Most of the items are furniture, beds, old lights and broken electrical goods.

“There are scavengers who may collect them too,” he said.