In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, UTAR recently held a Student-Staff E-Waste Collection Activity, spearheaded by Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) academic Ts Dr Cheng Kin Meng in collaboration with ERTH (Electronic Recycling Through Heroes). The initiative aimed to promote responsible e-waste management while fostering awareness about environmental protection among students and staff.
The collection drive was made possible through the support of Department of Student Affairs (DSA) Senior Assistant Manager Mr Chow Keng Fatt and FCI Department of Game Studies student volunteer Loke Han Ting. ERTH, a leading e-waste collector in Malaysia, played a pivotal role by offering monetary rewards based on the weight and type of e-waste collected, thus incentivising responsible recycling.
E-waste collected at UTAR
Malaysia generates an estimated 365,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. Addressing this growing environmental challenge requires collective efforts from individuals, institutions and businesses. ERTH’s recycling process complies with Malaysia’s Department of Environment (DOE) regulations and accepts a wide variety of e-waste items, including laptops, mobile phones, tablets, monitors, and printers, regardless of their condition. By partnering with institutions like UTAR, ERTH not only promoted proper e-waste disposal but also raised public awareness through educational campaigns and events.
Dr Cheng highlighted that ERTH’s efforts contribute significantly to addressing the environmental challenges posed by e-waste. Their business model aligns with several United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on environmental sustainability and responsible consumption. This initiative has sparked a growing interest in e-waste recycling among the community, with plans to explore creative uses for collected e-waste, such as crafting art for exhibitions.
Mr Chow expressed gratitude to the students from the Social Entrepreneurship Project for their dedication in collecting e-waste on 29 November 2024. Initially planning to collect pre-loved items for sale at Bargain Basement, they ended up gathering several boxes of electronic waste. It was fascinating to see old phones, including first-generation Nokia, Blackberry, and Sony models—a nostalgic reminder for many.
Loke shared his thoughts, stating that as a student, it’s his responsibility to promote environmental protection. The event gave him the opportunity to share knowledge, reduce waste and create value. He expressed gratitude to those who contributed their e-waste instead of discarding it improperly and hoped that the initiative would inspire people from all generations to handle e-waste responsibly, contributing to a brighter future for the planet.
The success of this collection activity underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling environmental issues. UTAR hopes to expand its e-waste collection initiatives and explore creative ways to repurpose collected materials. With sustained support from partners like ERTH and the active involvement of students and staff, the university aims to lead by example in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
Through initiatives like this, UTAR continues to demonstrate its dedication to sustainability, inspiring positive change within the community and beyond.
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