KUCHING: The Electrical and Electronic Waste (BEE) collection campaign to mitigate unplanned electronic waste disposal has collected 37.52 metric tons as of May this year.
Since 2020, the collection campaign has been actively carried out by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), Department of Environment (DoE) and Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG).
NREB said the initiative was introduced to raise awareness of the dangers of BEE to the environment, and promote safe and environmentally friendly BEE handling and disposal methods to the local communities.
Besides that, the collection campaign also aims to stimulate economic circulation through the reuse and recycling of BEE goods.
“The recent BEE collection campaign was held at Marudi Waterfront on June 24 and 25 in collaboration with the Marudi District Council.
“NREB encourages the public to participate in this collection campaign as throwing damaged electrical and electronic items into the trash bin with other domestic solid waste is not the proper way to dispose of BEE.
“This is because the improper disposal of BEE will have a negative impact on humans, animals, aquatic and marine life,” NREB said in a statement.
It said the content of heavy metals such as nickel and mercury among others are found in some BEE components which can cause pollution to river water, underground water and soil if not managed properly.
On the collection campaign, NREB said the accumulated BEE materials will be disposed of or recycled by the DoE contractor in compliance with the provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (AKAS 1974).
