A Recycling Guide In Malaysia

A Recycling Guide In Malaysia

In Malaysia, recycling bins—locally known as tong kitar semula—are commonly color-coded to facilitate waste segregation and promote effective recycling. While there is no strict national standard, the following color scheme is widely adopted:

• Blue: For paper products such as newspapers, magazines, books, brochures, envelopes, and cardboard boxes. Items like tissue paper, carbon paper, laminated paper, and soiled paper are excluded. ​

• Brown: For glass items, including bottles and jars. Excludes ceramics, mirrors, and other non-recyclable glass materials. ​

• Orange: For plastics and metals, such as plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and steel tins. Excludes items like paint tins, toxic containers, and Styrofoam. ​

    These bins are available in various sizes—ranging from 80 to 660 liters—to suit different settings, from households to commercial spaces. ​Since September 2015, waste separation at the source has been mandatory in several Malaysian states, including Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah, and Perlis. Under this regulation, residents are required to separate recyclables into categories like paper, plastic, and metals, placing them in designated bins or bags for collection. ​

    For those interested in acquiring recycling bins, various suppliers offer options tailored to different needs. For instance, Mui Fatt provides customizable bins made from durable materials like fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) and polyethylene (PE), suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. ​In Kuching, Sarawak, local authorities have implemented similar recycling initiatives, with color-coded bins placed in public areas to encourage proper waste segregation. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in these programs to contribute to a more sustainable environment.