(From left) Tan, Ramkarpal, Quah and Khoo launching the recycling waste collection centre in Greenlane Heights. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
THE Recycling Collection Centre on Jalan Gangsa in Greenlane Heights, Penang, has become the first 3R Hub operated by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to feature a dedicated bin to collect used fabric.
MBPP councillor Quah Boon Lim said the facility would make recycling more convenient for residents of Island Glades and Island Park, while also benefitting traders and visitors at the Greenlane Heights Night Market held every Saturday.
“The inclusion of fabric recycling is especially important as textile waste is a growing environmental concern globally.
“By making it easier for residents to recycle their unwanted clothes and textiles, Penang is not only addressing a local waste issue but also contributing to the global push for more sustainable consumption.
“I encourage residents to take full advantage of this facility, which aims to boost the state’s recycling rate to 50% and reuse our resources.
“We can work together to create a cleaner, greener environment for everyone,” said Quah at the launch.
Also present were MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Penang Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong, MBPP department heads, city councillors and Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members of Greenlane Heights.
Tan, in her speech, said that when Quah first approached her with the idea, she was supportive as it could help reduce the amount of waste generated by Penang’s 1.77 million population.
“We want to do our bit, however small, to help reduce the more than 800,000 metric tonnes of waste being sent to the Pulau Burung landfill annually.
“I’m happy to say that we managed to rope in Tzu Chi Foundation to be our strategic partner, as the organisation is well-known internationally for its recycling efforts,” she said.
Khoo said recyclables collected at the facility, including fabric, would be managed by Tzu Chi and the proceeds from the sale of these items would be channelled to the foundation to assist people in need.
After the launch, Tan hosted a mini Mid-Autumn Festival celebration for children who carried lanterns in a parade around the area.
