WE have been reading about how the Malaysian government is trying to halt illegal recycling activities these past few months.

This encompasses the electrical and electronic (E&E) sector, both household and garden waste, palm kernel, wood waste, furniture and many others.

We should start viewing these economic activities as commodities rather than waste. There’s tremendous value to be extracted.

As a country with natural tropical climate, we have also amassed tonnes of grass-based waste.

Imagine the wealth that could be generated for the country if we change our mindset and start to think outside the box.

Similar to carbon trading which Indonesia has aimed to raise to the tune of US$65 bil (RM258 bil) by 2028, commodities can be bought and sold.

Buyers can determine the type of waste they want, just like coal burning waste for energy where waste is the fuel or biomass and wood is the fuel.

We can determine the required grade and quality. E-waste traders can be licensed and regulations can be set for disposal.

If nuclear waste can be disposed of, why not electronic waste? Think about it. We should do this.

The key question is whether waste can be classified as fuel and if there’s a price on quality.

There will be a huge demand for energy as millions of people haves moved to urban areas, thus putting pressure on the industry regarding supply and demand.

Industrialisation with AI (artificial intelligence), data centres and electric vehicles (EVs) will push the current energy supply to its maximum.

Therefore, we need to explore new avenues and waste could be the next alternative fuel. – Sept 19, 2024

Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar is the former water, land and natural resources minister. 

https://focusmalaysia.my/unlocking-the-value-of-waste-a-call-for-policy-change-and-investment/