The Department of Environment aims to collect 3,000 tonnes of household e-waste annually from 2026, up from 2,000 tonnes this year.
KLANG: The Department of Environment is targeting an annual collection of 3,000 tonnes of household electronic waste nationwide from 2026.
This target represents an increase from the 2,000 tonnes of e-waste collected throughout the current year.
Its director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar said the increased target aligns with the growing use of electronic products among the public.
He stated that this increase is in line with the department’s collaborative efforts with local authorities and other parties like shopping malls to establish more collection centres.
“Otherwise, they would have to send it directly to e-waste processing factories,” he told reporters after opening the Jom E-Waste Carnival 2025 at AEON Mall Bukit Raja.
He confirmed that the department will increase these collection centres and highlighted the dedicated website ewaste.doe.gov.my for the public to locate the nearest e-waste drop-off point.
The DOE created the e-waste website to simplify the process of sending in e-waste and to educate the public on its proper management.
Wan Abdul Latiff revealed that 13,363 tonnes of household e-waste have been collected in the ten years since the programme began.
This figure suggests that many people are still unaware of the household e-waste collection programme.
To address this knowledge gap, the DOE continues to intensify public awareness campaigns to foster a more conscious community.
These campaigns aim to promote environmentally friendly recycling habits among the public.
Wan Abdul Latiff said the DOE will continue to strengthen the country’s e-waste management system based on the principles of Extended Producer Responsibility and Shared Responsibility.
This approach requires cooperation among all stakeholders in the e-waste value chain from producers to consumers.
Key initiatives to improve household e-waste management include implementing mechanisms involving manufacturers, importers, and consumers.
The system also involves registered collection centres and DOE-licensed recovery facilities.
Engagement sessions are being held with industry players, local authorities, NGOs, and consumer communities to further strengthen management mechanisms.
The National E-Waste Collection Day, held on the last Saturday of every month nationwide, serves as an educational platform for the public.
This monthly event educates people on proper household e-waste management techniques.
Wan Abdul Latiff added that 157 household e-waste collection centres are currently registered nationwide with the DOE.
He stated that this number of registered collection centres is expected to increase annually.
The Jom E-Waste Carnival 2025 is a one-day event featuring activities like e-waste collection and colouring contests.
Other activities include fun quizzes, short talks, a visit from the e-waste mascot ‘E-Cha’, and exhibitions by partners. – Bernama
