The Penang Island City Council is converting tens of tonnes of food waste discarded at Ramadan bazaars daily into compost and biodiesel.
According to NST, Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said up to 30 tonnes of waste were collected daily from the 26 Ramadan bazaars on the island.
As part of its green initiative, it has deployed a food processing machine at the Bayan Putra Ramadan Bazaar near Queensbay Mall that separates food waste into oil, finely ground particles and clear water.
The particles are turned into compost while used cooking oil is collected for recycling into biodiesel in collaboration with Petroliam Nasional Bhd.
“Our monitoring shows that consumers have begun using the waste segregation bins, but more needs to be done to raise public awareness,” said Rajendran.
The pilot project aims to reduce organic waste sent to landfills while educating traders and the public on proper waste segregation.
The city council plans to expand the use of the machine and bins to more locations next year.
Meanwhile, Rajendran said Ramadan bazaars were expected to remain a major economic driver by generating RM75 million in economic value and creating 5,000 jobs.
This year, 1,481 stalls have been approved.
“To ensure inclusivity, the city council has kept licensing and garbage collection fees low at about RM3 per day per stall, allowing traders to keep prices affordable.
“On food safety, it is working with the state Health Department to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, including typhoid vaccinations and the use of aprons, gloves and head coverings.”
