SIBU: 43516.52 metric tonnes (MT) of domestic waste were sent to Kemuyang Sanitary Landfill last year compared to 48,369.74MT in 2015 and 45,995.74MT in 2014.
Sibu Resident, Hii Chang Kee said many factors had contributed to the reduction in the total volume of waste.
“We hope one of them is the result of our continuous recycling campaigns and practices.
“We encourage corporate citizens and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue promoting recycling activities for a charity cause besides love for the environment,” he said at the closing of the “Love Earth Day” programme held on the ground floor of Wisma Sanyan here on Sunday.
Hii said many organisations in Sibu had been promoting recycling campaigns for years.
“One of them is the Sibu Kidney Foundation which has requested the public to contribute recyclable items to it for charity sales.
“However, despite the recycling promotions, the total funds generated from the sales of recyclable items donated by the public have fallen from an average of RM4500 per month to about RM2700 per month.
“Therefore, we encourage the public to send properly packed recyclable items to Sibu Kidney Foundation or other charitable organisations to help them raise funds for charity,” he said.
Hii was glad to note that the Sibu Municipal Council had made it a point to organise the “Love Earth Day” as an annual event in its continuous effort to instil awareness and remind the general public of the need to protect and love environment.
“We have been exposed to information and practices on greening our environment through various Love Earth Day and Earth Hour campaigns for many years.
“It is more important to move our campaigns beyond mere slogans. Letting the culture happen on its own course takes a long time. Thus, we should all start to walk our talk by changing our lifestyle and daily habits of treating our waste to reduce our carbon footprints,” he added.
Hii revealed a study on the composition of the domestic waste discovered that organic waste made up 49.5% of it. Plastic made up 14.5% of the waste while paper 10.51%
“If we all stop throwing our kitchen waste, the total volume of rubbish will be reduced by half and this could extend the lifespan of the Kemuyang Landfill for many years,” he added.
A total of 12 booths were set by schools, NGOs and government agencies during the two-day event.
Organising Chairman, Councillor Albert Tiang and acting Municipal Secretary, Jong Thian Puk were among those present at the closing of the “Love Earth Day” programme.
