KDEBWM Launches smart Recycling Machine With Cash Incentives

SHAH ALAM, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) today launched the Smart 5-in-1 Reverse Vending Machine (RVM), which rewards users with cash for recycling their waste.

Its managing director, Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir, said the nation’s first AI-powered recycling machine accepts five recyclable items, namely plastic, cardboard, paper, aluminium and used cooking oil.

“The machine is fitted with advanced sensors that can identify each item and will notify the operations centre once it reaches its 750-kilogramme capacity.

“It also comes with CCTV surveillance to record any attempts at fraud or vandalism, and will be operational 24 hours a day,” he said.

Ramli said the initiative reflects KDEBWM’s commitment to green practices and sustainability in Selangor, with 100 units planned for installation at strategic locations such as government offices, supermarkets, community halls and places of worship in the first quarter of next year.

He was speaking at a press conference after the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between KDEB Services Sdn Bhd and HMA Digital, represented by its chairman Datuk Baharon Talib, in conjunction with the RVM launch at KDEBWM headquarters here today.

Ramli said the company would continue introducing various initiatives to encourage consistent recycling habits among the community.

“With innovations like the RVM, we are confident of meeting the Selangor First Plan (RS-1) target of a 15 per cent recycling rate.

“It will also encourage greater community participation in sustainable waste management and drive Selangor towards green and sustainable development,” he said.

He added that the rollout of the Smart 5-in-1 RVM next year would help reduce dependence on landfills, currently burdened with recyclable waste.

Ramli said the public must realise that separating recyclables not only reduces waste but also provides an opportunity to earn extra income.

“If recycling rates reach even 10 to 20 per cent, it will mean less waste sent to landfills or waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, with much of it converted into cash instead.

“This will also cut costs associated with waste disposal at landfills or WTE plants, as higher recycling rates translate into greater savings,” he said.

Users of the RVM can register with their mobile phone number, insert recyclable items, and the machine will automatically weigh and record each transaction.

Payments will be credited directly into users’ bank accounts shortly after, encouraging people to see waste as a valuable resource rather than rubbish.

Ramli said the first Smart 5-in-1 RVM has been operating in Taman Wawasan, Puchong since August as a pilot project.

-- BERNAMA