Article: For the sake of the environment

Wednesday June 3, 2009

SINCE the MPPP-Dell Computer Recycling Programme was introduced in 2004, a total of 90,559kg of unwanted computers have been collected.

This year's target is to collect 31,500kg or 15% of estimated computers disposed on the island annually, said Penang Local Government and Traffic Management Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow.

"We've only collected 4,335kg from January till May. More programmes will be organised throughout the year so that we can achieve our collection target by the end of the year."

"All over the world, people like us will do something to help improve and protect the environment. This (recycling old computers) may seem like a small step but we must start somewhere,

"Old computers, television sets, batteries, fluorescent tubes, medicine, pesticides and household cleaners all contain toxic chemicals that must be properly discarded as they contain metals like mercury and lead which are harmful to the kidney, liver and brain," he added.

Chow said this in his speech at the programme's fifth anniversary celebration at Sunshine Square on Saturday. The programme is held in conjunction with World Environment Day on Friday.

He also urged the public against throwing household hazardous waste into drains, rivers, rubbish bins or open spaces.

Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) acting president Tan Cheng Chui, who was also present, said the programme was smart partnership programme between the government, business sector and community.

"This on-going programme helps manage the disposal of hazardous waste," he said, adding that the public could send their computers to the council's roll-call centres in Tanjung Bungah (Oldham Road), Balik Pulau (Chai Road) and George Town (Esplanade and Kampung Jawa Baru Store). There are a total of 13 collection centres in the state.

The other main programme partners are the Sunshine Group, IRM Industries and Penang Environment Working Group (PEWOG).

For details on the PC recycling programme and collection centres, call 1-800-88-0640.

Chow later presented winners of the recycling campaign colouring contest with their prizes.

Lim Ee Teng, 10, was the second prize winner while Khoo Ka Leong, 10, came in third. Champion Cheng Shi Yun, 12, walked away with a RM150 Nestle hamper and trophy while Lim and Khoo took home trophies and hampers worth RM80 and RM100 respectively.

Ten consolation winners were given hampers worth a total of RM200.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Metro: North 3 June 2009