Recycling should be a common practice since it plays a vital role in building a circular economy with a sustainable and environmentally conscious society. It is a process that transforms used materials into new products or extends their life, and diverting them from landfills or polluting the environment. By recycling, we can conserve valuable resources, reduce energy consumption, and minimise the negative impacts of waste on the planet.
Benefits of Recycling
- Pollution Reduction: Recycling reduces the need for extracting, processing, and transporting raw materials, which can lead to the pollution of air, water, and soil.
- Community Engagement: Recycling encourages community engagement and participation in sustainability efforts. It promotes a sense of responsibility and ownership of environmental conservation.
- Public Health Benefits: Reducing waste and recycling hazardous materials like electronic waste prevent the release of toxic substances into the environment, ultimately benefiting public health.
- Long-term Resource Security: Recycling helps secure access to critical materials, especially in the case of rare or finite resources, by reintroducing them into the production cycle.
YTL Efforts in Recycling
YTL Construction launched the Go Green and Recycling Campaign in 2019 to create employee awareness on waste reduction and to promote recycling in administration offices and site offices. As of 2022, 82kg of recyclable items were collected from site office employees and sub-contractors, with six online talks to raise awareness.
Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd started a recycling initiative called the Go Green Campaign which encourages employees and the public to be more aware of environmental issues and contribute towards a cleaner environment, and improve recycling habits.
Malayan Cement Berhad held their first Recycling Day on 17th December 2022. By the end of the event, they had collected more than 2,400 kg of recycled items including paper, plastic, metal, e-waste, and textiles.
YTL-owned properties Lot 10 Shopping Centre and The Starhill have been consistently engaged in recycling initiatives within their premises over a number of years. In the 12 months to June 2023, a total of 58,066kg of recyclable items were collected.
How Could You Contribute
Workplace
- Minimise Printouts: Encourage digital documentation. When printing is needed, use both sides of the paper whenever possible.
- Provide Recycling Stations: Set up centralised recycling stations in convenient locations.
To learn more, do check out the Zero Waste Malaysia Office Handbook.
Home
- Educate Your Household: Teach family members and household members about recycling practices and put them into practice regardless of downstream handling concerns.
- Minimise Single-Use Plastics: Reduce the use of single-use plastics by opting for reusable alternatives. To learn more, do check the SNAP Guideline 2022.
Public
- Use Designated Bins: Utilise recycling bins provided in public spaces to dispose of recyclable materials appropriately.
- Participate in Recycling Initiatives: Join local recycling initiatives that work to promote recycling and sustainability in public space.
Community
- Promote Local Markets and Swaps: Support local markets and swap events where residents can exchange items they no longer need, reducing waste and promoting reuse.
- Partner with Schools: Collaborate with schools to integrate lessons on recycling into the curriculum and engage students in recycling initiatives.
