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Municipal Solid Waste Management and Potential Revenue from Recycling in Malaysia

Author

Listed:
  • Anwar Johari
  • Habib Alkali
  • Haslenda Hashim
  • Saeed I. Ahmed
  • Ramli Mat

Abstract

Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) issues have become talk of the day worldwide because of the current and the future threats it has to both life and the environment. Malaysia, like other developing nations, has been facing serious problems in recent years in terms of MSW and its management due to the nation’s rapid economic growth. The objective of this paper is to review and present the current state of MSW and its management in Malaysia and to estimate the economic potentials of some recyclables as well. MSW generation in Malaysia has increased significantly in recent years, ranging between 0.5 - 2.5kg per capita per day (or a total of 25000 - 30000 tons per day). Generally, the waste contains high amount of organics, moisture content and bulk density. More than 70% of the generated wastes are collected using both curbside and communal centers with a collection frequency varying from daily to every two days. In addition, both compactor trucks and open lorry trucks are used. Landfilling is the main disposal method practiced; about 90 - 95% of the collected wastes is still disposed in landfills, with a recycling rate of 5 -10% despite the fact that 70 - 80% of the waste is recyclable. Estimation of the amount of recyclables and their revenue generation potential shows an impressive result. Recycling and composting of the municipal solid waste is therefore recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Anwar Johari & Habib Alkali & Haslenda Hashim & Saeed I. Ahmed & Ramli Mat, 2014. "Municipal Solid Waste Management and Potential Revenue from Recycling in Malaysia," Modern Applied Science, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(4), pages 1-37, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:masjnl:v:8:y:2014:i:4:p:37
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Schoot Uiterkamp, Bob Jan & Azadi, Hossein & Ho, Peter, 2011. "Sustainable recycling model: A comparative analysis between India and Tanzania," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(3), pages 344-355.
    2. Eltayeb, Tarig K. & Zailani, Suhaiza & Ramayah, T., 2011. "Green supply chain initiatives among certified companies in Malaysia and environmental sustainability: Investigating the outcomes," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 55(5), pages 495-506.
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    Cited by:

    1. Alice MOTSI & Samuel GUMBE & Noel MUZONDO & Forbes MAKUDZA, 2024. "An Innovative Leadership Model Of Service Delivery In Urban Local Authorities," Theoretical and Empirical Researches in Urban Management, Research Centre in Public Administration and Public Services, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 19(1), pages 54-69, February.
    2. Kumar, Aman & Singh, Ekta & Mishra, Rahul & Lo, Shang Lien & Kumar, Sunil, 2023. "Global trends in municipal solid waste treatment technologies through the lens of sustainable energy development opportunity," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    3. Farah Adibah Zulkifli & Jing Xie Lim, 2025. "Breaking Down Waste: A Comparative Analysis of Laws Regarding Separation of Waste at Source in Malaysia, Japan, and Australia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 9(4), pages 2803-2820, April.
    4. Aznihanim Hamzah & Nazlina Shaari, 2024. "Upcycle Textile Towards Value-Added Product as Creative Community Practices in Malaysia," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), vol. 8(6), pages 2264-2275, June.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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