Breaking Down Waste: A Comparative Analysis of Laws Regarding Separation of Waste at Source in Malaysia, Japan, and Australia

Separation of waste at source is one of the crucial methods in boosting recycling rate and reducing the amount of waste which end up at the landfills. As at 2022, Malaysia already has 165 landfills, eight sanitary landfills, and three inert landfills hence the local environmental experts have forecasted that no space will be available by 2050 if nothing is done to reduce waste. This comparative study examines the legal and practical aspects of waste separation at source in Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. The findings showed that Japan practices advanced waste management laws and technologies, such as incineration to cater to its limited land space as well as a strict separation of waste at source regulations. Australia’s robust system emphasizes waste minimization and recycling through comprehensive legislation and public collaboration. Malaysia, still developing its infrastructure, can learn from these countries to enhance its waste management practices. Key findings include Japan’s detailed waste categories and Australia’s focus on organic waste composting. Malaysia can benefit from adopting stricter legislation, clear division of responsibilities, and public awareness initiatives to improve its waste management system and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.