In the last instalment of our four-part series on environmental consciousness, we turn our focus to Kuching South City Council, which is leading the charge in managing food waste through a mix of home-grown solutions and modern technology. With efforts ranging from home composting workshops to high-speed market composters, the goal is simple: reduce landfill waste, promote sustainable habits, and create a greener, more liveable city for future generations.
A greener future, one compost at a time
The scent of fresh produce and freshly cooked meals wafts through the air, filling the markets and eateries with the comforting smell of food. But behind the scenes, a different reality unfolds: uneaten food and organic scraps quietly make their way to landfills, contributing to environmental strain and resource waste.
Determined to change that, the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has launched a series of innovative, community-based efforts to manage food waste at its source. From encouraging home composting to introducing high-speed composting technology in markets, MBKS is not only diverting waste from landfills but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.
“The management of food waste is a critical component of Kuching South City Council’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said MBKS Mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
“As the volume of food waste continues to be a major contributor to landfill burden in Sarawak, MBKS has proactively implemented a range of structured programmes and initiatives to address this issue effectively, engaging households, businesses, and the wider community.”
To him, reducing food waste helps to minimise the burden on landfills, mitigate methane emissions, and support broader climate action efforts.
“Food waste is also one of the most controllable types of waste, particularly at the household level. By managing food waste effectively, we not only preserve valuable resources but also contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations,” he added.
With a mix of traditional composting techniques and modern pilot projects, Kuching South is setting a benchmark for urban waste management in Sarawak – one compost pile at a time. Disclosing the systems currently in place for collecting and managing food waste, he shared the following:
Takakura Home Method Composting: MBKS actively promotes the Takakura Home Method Composting system as an effective solution for household food waste management. The Takakura method is designed to be simple, fast, and low-cost, requiring no technical skills and utilising locally available materials. It produces compost efficiently without generating foul odours and can be applied even in limited spaces, making it ideal for residential settings.
Since 2021, MBKS has organised more than 35 workshops for Kuching South residents to provide hands-on training and awareness on this method. Post-workshop surveys show a significant improvement in community engagement, with the percentage of residents aware of or actively using the Takakura method increasing from 35 per cent in 2021 to 75 per cent in 2024. To extend the programme’s outreach, MBKS has also partnered with institutions such as IPG and other environmental agencies, enhancing public access to composting knowledge and skills.
Food Waste Recycling/Organic Waste Collection Pilot Project: MBKS launched a pilot Food Waste Recycling and Organic Waste Collection project in the King Centre commercial area, involving 18 food premises. This initiative was implemented in collaboration with Fly Technology Agriculture Sdn. Bhd. (Worming Up), which specialises in the use of Black Soldier Fly larvae for organic waste composting. Under this project, food waste was collected twice weekly – on Mondays and Fridays – and transported for composting.
Over the two-year period, the project successfully collected 100.33 tonnes of organic waste and produced 10.02 tonnes of coarse-mixed compost. Although the project demonstrated promising results, it was discontinued due to challenges related to long-term financial sustainability.
Bio-Mate High-Speed Composting at Markets: Recognising the substantial volume of food waste generated by markets, MBKS introduced Bio-Mate High-Speed Composting at both Stutong and Petanak markets. These two major markets collectively house over 850 stallholders.
Two Bio-Mate composting units, each capable of processing 125 kilogrammes of organic waste per day, were installed at the Stutong Recycling Center, later renamed the Stutong Green Centre. A similar facility was established at Petanak Market, known today as the Petanak Green Centre. These centres provide a long-term solution for recycling market-generated organic waste into compost, which is subsequently packaged in 1-kilogramme and 5-kilogramme bags and made available for sale to interested parties. This initiative not only reduces landfill dependency but also supports the council’s landscaping activities through the reuse of organic fertilisers.
The road to sustainability within Kuching South
In MBKS, the council actively engages with businesses through targeted pilot programmes, structured outreach, and awareness campaigns to promote responsible food waste management.
“By providing structured recycling solutions, facilitating partnerships with composting service providers, and demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste segregation, MBKS encourages businesses to adopt sustainable waste disposal practices,” Wee said.
Furthermore, regular communication and collaboration with business owners are keys to fostering long-term behavioural change within the commercial sector, he added.
However, MBKS’ efforts to create a sustainable ecosystem in the area aren’t without challenges. He revealed several ongoing issues in food waste management, such as public awareness and behaviour change (sustaining long-term behavioural changes among residents and businesses remains a challenge), financial sustainability (certain pilot projects face cost-recovery and operational sustainability issues), and operational constraints (logistics and manpower requirements for specialised waste collection and composting).
“To address these issues, MBKS emphasises continuous public education, the strengthening of multi-stakeholder collaborations, the adoption of innovative technologies such as high-speed composting, and a strategic focus on scalable and cost-effective solutions. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, MBKS aims to create an enduring culture of environmental consciousness within the community.”
Committed to ensuring a sustainable ecosystem where the environment is well protected and preserved, MBKS has also organised other environmental sustainability initiatives such as:
- Bank Sampah (Waste Bank Programme): Promoting recycling through an incentivised system
- iBuyBack App: A digital platform facilitating buy-back recycling transactions
- Earth Hour and Kuching Car-Free Day: City-wide campaigns promoting reduced energy consumption and sustainable mobility
- Electronic and Electrical Waste Collection Campaign (Kempen BEE): Safe disposal of electronic waste
- Zero Use of Plastic Straws and Styrofoam Food/Drink Containers: Enforced across markets and hawker centres
- Recycling Programmes for High-Rise Residential Buildings
- Festive Season Spring Cleaning Campaigns: Encouraging responsible waste disposal
- Tree Planting Activities: Enhancing urban green spaces and promoting biodiversity
Most recently, MBKS plans to roll out biodegradable plastic bags in the war against plastic pollution. Wee said during a press conference at his office that the council will introduce biodegradable bags developed by a UK-based company. These bags are designed to mimic traditional plastic and decompose fully within two years without leaving behind harmful microplastics.
A time for reflection
Sharing a Chinese proverb – qián rén zāi shù, hòu rén chéng liáng (前人栽树，后人乘凉) – which means “one generation plants the trees, another gets the shade”. This reminds us that we are enjoying the benefits of what was sown by those before us. Only by appreciating what has been given can we ensure the continuity of these blessings. When we take time to reflect on what our ancestors have done for the Earth over the centuries, and how it has evolved, we begin to understand the importance of protecting and preserving it for future generations.
So as MBKS and its mayor grapple with the reality of food waste and disposal in the fight for a more environmentally friendly ecosystem, the council has adopted a comprehensive approach towards building a resilient, sustainable, and liveable city. This is particularly important as it not only reduces the city’s environmental footprint but also lays the groundwork for a more environmentally conscious future – one compost pile, one household, and one initiative at a time.
Not to forget the efforts of researchers reviewing and experimenting with ways to handle food waste disposal, and the cooks at home or in businesses managing waste responsibly – each stakeholder plays a vital role in protecting and preserving the home we live in.
