SINCE wearing a face mask is the new norm, local governments need to strictly enforce the by-laws relating to the proper practice of disposing waste, especially household or domestic Waste.

This measure is important to prevent waste collectors from being infected with Covid-19. Waste collectors are at a high risk of being infected by the virus, especially when they collect waste that is not properly disposed of and contaminated with the virus.

This can potentially happen as many households treat their face masks the same as their domestic waste. As a result, they simply throw their face masks together with their domestic waste. To make matters worse, some just litter their face masks everywhere and risk everyone’s life.

Face masks should not be treated the same as domestic waste as it is considered hazardous waste that needs to be disposed of properly.

In general, solid waste management in Malaysia is classified into three major categories. The first category is known as municipal solid waste, which is under the responsibility of the Housing and Local Government Ministry. Meanwhile, the second category is known as the schedule or hazardous waste, which is under the responsibility of the Department of Environment (DOE). And finally, clinical waste is under the responsibility of the Health Ministry (MOH).

Since demanding the public to separate their hazardous waste might be a burden for them, the most practical way to do it is to have the local government strictly enforce existing by-laws that are related to the proper practice of disposing waste, particularly household waste.

As an example, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the Conservancy and Hygiene By-Laws is considered as the most relevant by-law that deals specifically with how to properly dispose of household or domestic waste.

The following will illustrate the two main provisions under the Conservancy and Hygiene By-Laws. The first provision is known as the provision of dustbin and collection of refuse. The second one is known as the provision of covered receptacles.

Provision of dustbin and collection of refuse

Section 2 (1) – Every owner or occupier of any premises shall provide one or more dustbins as may be necessary, to contain the refuse therefrom, and every such dustbin shall be:

1. provided with a tight, securely fitting cover or lid;
2. made from sheet metal or other approved material;
3. of a capacity of not less than one and a half cubic feet and not more than three cubic feet;
4. of a shape, size and design approved by the council;
5. kept in good repair and replaced, if necessary, by such owner or occupier; and
6. placed, as early as possible each morning but not later than 8 a.m., either on concrete bases in the back lane, if any, adjoining such premises or on the edge of the footway or at the gate of such premises or in some suitable and accessible position to enable it to be readily emptied and the contents thereof removed by the workers of the council.

Provision of covered receptacles

Section 2 (2) – The occupier of any premises shall not deposit or cause, or permit to be deposited any dust, filth, ashes or refuse, discarded therefrom anywhere other than collected in a plastic bag. The Council shall remove them only where such bag is properly tied up and neatly placed in a dustbin referred to in Sub By-law (1) of this by-law.

By referring to the existing provision under the Conservancy and Hygiene By-Laws highlighted above. It clearly demonstrated how to properly dispose of waste into the dustbin. If this by-law is strictly enforced, it may help reduce or prevent the waste collector from being a victim of the Covid-19 virus.

As an example, by referring to section 2 (2) of the by-laws, it has stressed that the local government only will collect waste that is put inside in a plastic bag and is properly tied up and neatly placed in a dustbin. Thus, if a household does not follow this provision, its waste will not be collected. Hence, it may reduce the risk of the waste collector to be infected by the virus.

Besides, if a face mask is dumped together with the domestic waste but was put in a plastic bag and is properly tied, and neatly placed in a dustbin, it will also reduce the risk of infection to the waste collector. 

Hence, the local government needs to strictly enforce the existing by-laws related to the proper way to dispose of waste, so it can reduce infection risks for waste collectors. – May 11, 2020.

* Haidy Henry reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.