Small changes, cleaner environment

I HATE driving behind a garbage compactor for a simple reason -- it stinks. Like everyone else, we like a clean and neat environment and can't tolerate stench brought on by poorly disposed of rubbish.

So when Alam Flora Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Mohd Zain Hassan told me during an interview that they will be imposing new requirements for contractors to ensure that there's no leachate on the road, I was delighted.

Those found to have leakages would be stopped and washed immediately.

He said it is among the key performance index (KPI) set by the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation that would be fully implemented by September next year.

Others include collecting garbage at designated areas within the stipulated time and making sure that the compactors only use their approved routes.

Some of us (including yours, truly) may also see the compactors on the road during peak hours as something that's in the way, especially when you are rushing to work or sending your kids to school.

So, instead of the current three-times a week collection for landed housing property schemes and daily for high-rise units, Alam Flora will make sure that collection is done within one hour, for instance, at the assigned areas.

This means, after the scheduled time, you will not see the compactor around your housing area or apartment.

This helps as you would know when to take your garbage out.

To implement this, Zain said, cooperation from the public is needed.

He said it would be helpful if household rubbish is tied in plastic bags and placed in the bins to help Alam Flora carry out its duties efficiently.

One of the problems, he said, is when residents at high-rise buildings place the rubbish around the bins instead of throwing them inside them.

Garbage collectors normally spend a lot of time picking up these rubbish and this would slow down their operations at the next stop.

We always want the best service but our habits, which include not disposing of the rubbish properly or blocking the path of the garbage compactors delay the collection process.

The contractors can't wait long as they have other neighbourhoods on their checklist.

To further assist residents and business operators to properly dispose of their garbage, special bins are being distributed free of charge by Alam Flora in stages.

The bins with two wheels are easy to handle as it can be lifted by the garbage compactor to dispose of the content.

Each bin also has Alam Flora's number on it, should consumers want to file a complaint or need assistance. Most of us are familiar with the box-like shape of the bins at recycling centres.

It is hoped that those who receive the bins will fully utilise them to ensure better services.

Simple things we do can definitely make a change for the better.

Source: Nuradzimmah Daim