THESE past few months, we’ve been reading about how the government is trying to halt illegal recycling activities.
This includes the electrical and electronic sectors, both household and garden waste, palm kernel, wood waste, furniture, and many others.
As a country with a natural tropical climate, we also have amassed tonnes of grass-based waste.
Imagine the wealth that could be generated for the country if we changed our mindset and thought outside the box.
We should start viewing these activities as commodities rather than waste.
There’s tremendous value to be extracted.
Similar to carbon trading, which Indonesia has aimed to raise to the tune of US$65 billion (RM258 billion) 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 could be licensed, and regulations could 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 quality price.
There will be a huge demand for energy as millions move to urban areas, putting pressure on the industry regarding supply and demand.
Industrialisation with AI, data centres, and electric vehicles will push the current supply to its maximum.
We need to explore new avenues, and waste could be the next alternative as fuel. - The Vibes, September 19, 2024
Datuk Dr Xavier Jayakumar is a former Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources
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