The simple recycling mistake Malaysians keep making

2026-03-24 - 01:10

Malaysians are fond of single-use plastics for tapau-ing their favourite foods. (Envato Elements pic) KUALA LUMPUR: Think you are recycling properly? You might not be. One of the most common mistakes Malaysians make is tossing plastic containers straight into the recycling bin without cleaning them first. According to the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry, that one small step can determine whether your plastic gets recycled or ends up in landfill. “If plastics are dirty or mixed with food waste, they can’t be processed properly,” said ministry representative Mohd Husaini Saidi. In other words, that greasy takeaway container you just tossed may likely not be recycled at all. The issue becomes even more pressing during festive seasons like Aidilfitri, when households generate far more waste than usual – think disposable containers, plastic cups, takeaway packs and leftovers. Without proper separation, much of it ends up as waste rather than recyclable material. The fix is simple: separate food waste from plastics. And give your containers a quick rinse before throwing them away. “It doesn’t have to be perfectly clean, just enough to remove food residue,” Husaini noted. Another overlooked habit is checking the recycling symbol on plastic packaging. Not all plastics are created equal, and some, like polystyrene food containers, are especially difficult to recycle. Yet they remain widely used, especially at open houses and events. That is why the authorities are urging people to rethink their everyday choices. Skip single-use plastics where possible, bring your own shopping bags, and opt for reusable plates and cups at festive and other events. Malaysia generates about 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with plastics making up 13-15% of the total. (AFP pic) These are small swaps, but they add up. It’s especially pressing given that Malaysia generates about 39,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with plastic making up roughly 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes. Plastic is, in fact, the second-largest waste stream after food waste, and one of the slowest to break down. According to a study by SWCorp, plastics account for an estimated 13-15% of the country’s total solid waste. This is why separating food waste is important: instead of mixing it with plastics, it can be turned into compost and used as fertiliser. To encourage this, tax incentives are now available for those who invest in composting machines. Remember, making a difference can start with something as small as rinsing your container before tossing it into the recycling bin.