The Star 7 Aug 09;
KUALA LUMPUR: There’s no reason now why more unwanted electronic and electrical equipment cannot be disposed of in way that does not poison the earth.
The Association of the Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (Pikom) and the Department of Environment (DoE) have set up more than 400 e-waste collection bins around the country.
These collection points are located in government agencies and offices, residential areas and university campuses.
The DoE is also finalising a framework for a uniform e-waste management programme involving members of the ICT industry and the general public.
Pikom’s e-waste recycling campaign is part of its National ICT (information and communications technology) Month 2009 that ends later this month.
Growing problem Simon Seow, e-waste campaign chairman at Pikom, said the dumping of unwanted electronic and electrical products, such as cellphones and PCs, is turning into a serious environmental problem for the country.
He said the situation is compounded by the millions of refurbished secondhand computers that are being exported by the developed nations to emerging markets in the world.
“According to market research company Gartner, 37 million refurbished secondhand PCs were exported last year,” said Seow.
“These exports are expected to rise to 69 million by 2012 and will no doubt create e-waste in huge proportions. It is important that we start realising the importance of recycling such material.”
Break it down
“More than 80% of a desktop computer or laptop can be recycled,” said Pikom chairman David Wong.
“The discarded machines will be sent to (facilities operated by) our partners, Hewlett-Packard, Sony, Samsung and others, where they will be stripped down for reusable parts.”
Pikom promoted its e-waste campaign at its recent PC Fairs in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kuantan.
Its upcoming PC Fairs — Kota Baru and Kuala Terengganu (Aug 13-15), as well as Johor Baru and Ipoh (Aug 14-16) — will also feature booths dedicated to programmes that create awareness on the need to recycle e-waste.
