e-waste campaign returns to Saratok 

SARATOK: The electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) collection campaign organised by the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), the state Department of Environment (DOE), and the Ministry of Public Health, Local Government, and Housing returns this week.
 
Held starting today until tomorrow at the Sri Kalaka Saratok here, the campaign, which is run from 8.30am to 4.30pm, aims to raise awareness of the environmental hazards of e-waste and promote safe and environmentally friendly methods of handling and disposing of the e-waste to the local community.
 
“It is part of the government’s efforts to address the issue of unplanned e-waste disposal.
 
“e-waste refers to electrical and electronic equipment such as laptops, desktops, printers, mobile phones, washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators that is damaged, outdated, or no longer usable.
 
“The improper disposal of e-waste can have negative effects on humans, animals, aquatic life, and marine ecosystems,” it said in a press release today (May 6).
 
In addition, the campaign is expected to promote the circular economy of recovering and recycling e-waste items, and contractors registered with DOE will outreach to collect the e-waste materials and dispose of them in compliance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (AKAS 1974).
 
NREB Information officer Noor Haily Zainal Ariffin emphasised the importance of proper disposal of e-waste and urged the public not to dispose of damaged electrical and electronic items in the same bin as other household waste.
 
In the meantime, members of the public can contact the DOE at 082-482535 for advice on disposing of damaged electrical and electronic waste.
 
“This campaign is a call for the people to take responsibility together to ensure the sustainability of the environment in Sarawak,” it added.