Transforming 1000 Lives through Waste

In Kg. Padang, Cintai Mantanani-Reef Check Malaysia established Mantanani Plastic Recycling Centre (MPRC) as one of the waste management efforts to reduce number of plastic bottles that disposed directly to the sea by the villagers. MPRC had been established since March 2019 and had been operating regularly to manage and transfer plastic bottles to the recycling companies and has serves as an education center to deliver information as well as demonstrate recycling process to the community and visitors.  

In 2018 a total of 70 DIY wire mesh bins was distributed in Kg Padang for the plastic bottles. Then weekly plastic bottles (PET) collection were conducted. The bins were meant only for PET bottles. The purpose of this strict instruction is to train the villagers on the importance of segregating different items in their daily waste. The PET bottles then transferred to MPRC for segregating and compressing before transferred to recycling companies in mainland. Surprisingly, collectors found that most of the bins were full before collection was due. Further, other households who were not provided with bins asked for their own. This shows that households are very supportive and want to take part in the plastic recycling efforts. The existing bins also need to be maintained as most of them are not in good condition due to the extreme weather, wind, destroyed by cows and kids playing around.

Since early 2019; through this program we have collected more than 1355kg of plastic bottles from ending up in our ocean. We believe that putting more bins and continuing this effort will enable systemic and effective waste management in the island which eventually provide healthy environment.

A survey had been conducted to count the existing bins in Kg. Padang and measure the condition of the bins whether it is still can be used or need proper maintenance. Apart from that, each household also were asked whether they would like to have a bin installed outside their house. Based on the survey, 44 out of 70 bins that were distributed previously are still existed and used properly until now. However, 15 bins are not in good condition and need some maintenance or replacement. Meanwhile, there were a total of 84 households demand to have their own bins. Altogether, there were 99 bins that needed to be installed and distribute to every household.