Azlan Othman
Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) recently organised a National Recycling Day initiative in the four districts recently.
Environment Officer at JASTRe Mohammad Ramzan bin Rahman said the initiative was held to encourage recycling practices such as separating recyclable materials as well as inspire Bruneians and residents to take responsibility to ensure the environment is clean and safe.
The event also raised awareness on how to sort waste by types such as paper, cardboard boxes, plastics, used cooking oil, electrical wastes (e-waste) with support from local recycling companies EnEvo Sdn Bhd, Imaa Maya Enterprise, Shaliz Waste Recycling and Kawan Bumi Sdn Bhd.
Mohammad Ramzan said the Recycling Day initiative began in 2018 in the Belait District for e-waste only. The event was a success and it expanded to also cover Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts in 2019. The waste types accepted also expanded to more than just e-waste.
This year, the initiative included Temburong District making it a nationwide event and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future.
Recyclable materials were collected this year at Sungai Akar Transfer Station, Serasa Beach Recreational Park, Mini Perayaan Kampong Parit Recreational Park, JASTRe Tutong Branch Office, JASTRe Belait Branch Office, Jubilee Anduki Recreational Park and JASTRe Temburong Branch Office.
The event saw families and children participating during the end-of-year holidays bringing recyclable materials of all kinds. The first 30 people that showed up in the collection venues received souvenirs from JASTRe.
Mohammad Ramzan said apart from participating in the event, the public can contact and send recyclable materials to authorised companies listed in www.env.gov.bn. The department also provides recycling bins at several locations for the public’s convenience.
He said bulk waste such as furniture and electrical appliance can be dropped off at the Sungai Akar Transfer Station everyday. E-waste collection is on Sundays from 8am to 4pm.
The public is urged to cultivate the practice of 3R – reduce, reuse and recycle – to reduce the use of disposable food containers, frequent use of reusable shopping bags and use refillable water bottles or tumblers for beverages. These practices will ensure the Sultanate stay clean and safe.
