Waste to Wealth: Recovery of Recyclable Items and Biodegradable Wastes from Night Markets at Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang

Abstract

This study evaluates the potential of recyclable items and biodegradable wastes recovered from selected locations of night markets across Seberang Perai Selatan district, Penang. Three different sizes of night market covering 9 study locations were evaluated based on waste types and the amount generated. By using the coning and quartering technique, it was observed that bigger sizes of night market had higher recyclable items potential. In particular, 177.41 kg/day of wastes discarded which equivalent to RM 104.05 worth of recyclable items. Small night market size was found to only generate 21.1 kg/day of wastes and equivalent to RM 13.55 worth of recyclable items. In terms of organics recovered, about 587 kg of wastes identified as brown organics. Meanwhile, it was recorded that green organics made up about 235 kg out of 822 kg total biodegradable wastes. This study demonstrates that night market has the potential for recovery of recyclable items and organic composting which can reduce the amount of solid waste being disposed at the landfills.