Malaysia is aiming to reduce all recyclable wastes sent to landfills by more than 40% by the year 2025. . Most importantly to achieve this goal, we need to focus on three important actions. The first is to minimise the amount of waste we create, secondly we need to reuse or repurpose items instead of purchasing new ones. And lastly we need to recycle our wastes. This is commonly known as the 3R Program ( Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).
It is absolutely crucial that each and every Malaysian plays their parts in pushing this philosophy. As this will spearhead our nation to becoming a Zero Waste Nation.
The 3R Practice in Malaysia needs to be thought throughout schools and workplaces to ensure that everyone is on board. It is a collective effort that will drive the program.
How you can practise 3R
Now let us look on how we can practice 3R in the various places weh
Reduce at Home
 | – Plan your shopping to avoid impulsive purchases. – Bring a reusable shopping bag. – Purchase items with less packaging or that are refillable – Avoid fast fashion items |
 | – Minimise the use of disposable wares, e.g. disposable forks, spoons, cups -Pack your meals in reusable container |
| Opt for electronic statements/newsletters In the absence of electronic mail, request for only a set of newsletter/flyer from sender if a few members of the household receive the same reading materials Contact sender to remove address from mailing list to prevent junk mail Use rag instead of paper tissue for cleaning |
Reuse at Home
| – Convert scrap paper into memo pads – Use unwanted plastic bags to contain household waste before disposal into refuse bins or chutes | |
| – Reuse used glass containers as receptacles – Repair and recondition faulty electronic appliances | |
| – Use old clothing as rags for cleaning – Pass on old clothing in good/usable condition to others – Donate textbooks, story books, and toys to |
Recycle at Home
All of the items below are recyclable. It is important that these items are clean, bottles should be emptied and the boxes should be free from grease or food stains.
Reduce at School
| – Pin notices onto notice boards instead of making copies for distribution – Purchase devices and stationery that are durable – Purchase refillable stationery – Write/Print on both sides of the paper | |
 | – Avoid over-catering food and drinks for school activities and events – Encourage students to use their water bottles and have water dispensers through the schools – Use refillable soap and drinks dispensers instead of providing individual packets |
Reuse at School
 | Use both sides of paper for writing, calculations and problem solving, etc. |
| Donate unwanted uniform that is still in good condition to the school for redistribution to needy students. | |
| Use Donate unwanted story books that are still in good condition to the school library. |
Recycle at School
All of these categories below are recyclable. It is important that schools have adequate recycling bins and educate the students of the importance of recycling. Monthly campaigns are encouraged to push the momentum of the program.
| Paper | Plastic |
| Glass | Aluminum |
| Metals |
Lastly we come to the workplace, where many of us spend our waking hours. Also let us not forget that there is a large amount of recyclable waste generated at offices and factories. Lets take a look on how we can do our best at work
Reduce at Work
| – Proofread documents on screen before printing – Print on both sides of paper – Circulate written or printed memos – Flash reference materials during meetings on screen instead of printing them for distribution – If print copies are needed, make few copies of a document for sharing Subscribe to electronic mailing whenever possible | |
 | Avoid the use of disposable items Do not ask for plastic carriers if packet food can be held in hand Bring own reusable lunchbox and cutlery for takeaways Bring own mug to meetings to reduce use of plastic or Styrofoam cups |
| Order just adequate drinks and food for meeting, seminars, conference and events Buy longer-lasting & useful items as corporate gifts |
Reuse at Work
 | – Reuse used envelopes for sending internal mail – Remove old documents and reuse files for filing again -Use the other side of used paper for drafting, printing and taking notes, etc |
Recycle at Work
Appoint an officer to implement the recycling programme.
Engage a recyclables collector.
Provide recycling bins with appropriate labelling at strategic locations.
Instil awareness and engage staff regularly through circulars, newsletters, talks and activities.
Educate the cleaners to keep the recyclables separate from general waste during collection to avoid contamination.
Monitor the scheme regularly, and keep staff informed by charting progress of the recycling program.
