Petron Malaysia And DOE Selangor Launches E-Waste Recycling Initiative

To promote sustainable e-waste disposal, fuel retailers Petron Malaysia recently collaborated with the Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) by launching a joint e-waste recycling initiative. 

This collaboration represents a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier future for Malaysia. The partnership aims to make e-waste collection more accessible, with the first drive held last weekend on June 22, 2024, at the  Petron Rinching service station in the township of Semenyih. 

“In Malaysia, our e-waste surpasses the weight of the iconic Twin Tower, exceeding 365,000 tonnes annually. This will only continue to rise as the country grows,” says Shaliza Mohd Sidek, Petron’s Head of Retail Business. 

During the event, residents exchanged their old and obsolete electronics for cash, facilitated by a DOE-licensed e-waste company, thus ensuring proper recycling.

Public Health Exco YB Puan Jamaliah Jamaluddin commended Petron’s initiative, stressing the need for responsible e-waste management to prevent environmental pollution and protect public health. Improper disposal of e-waste can release toxic metals and chemicals, posing severe health risks. She expressed hope that the project would raise awareness and encourage responsible e-waste practices among the Selangor community.

"Nowadays, we rely a lot on electrical and electronic goods in our daily lives. But, as a reminder to all of us to manage e-waste responsibly, if e-waste is not managed properly, such as thrown in the trash, disposed of not in a special landfill or burned at will, it can cause environmental pollution and affect human health. This is due to the toxicity of metals or chemicals from e-waste that is not handled properly,” she said. 

Petron employees actively participated in the initiative, starting with an e-waste awareness talk from a Selangor DOE representative, followed by a collection drive from May 30 to June 22, 2024. 

Pn Nor Aziah binti Jaafar, DOE Selangor Director, urged the public to use designated collection points to mitigate the adverse effects of e-waste, which can take thousands of years to decompose and significantly impact human health and the environment.

Petron’s efforts align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 and 17, promoting responsible consumption and production, and partnerships to achieve these goals.  The company is committed to a circular economy, minimising environmental impact through efficient waste management. KR