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Kota Kinabalu: The main landfill at Kayu Madang, near here, is nearing full capacity, prompting urgent action on solid waste management in the surrounding city area.

Solid Waste Management Department Director at Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), Leong Tze Fui, said the council is focusing on source separation as a key strategy to extend the landfill’s lifespan.

He said the strategy forms part of DBKK’s plan to improve solid waste management, especially among city residents and food vendors.

“This programme is designed to separate compostable and recyclable waste. We’ll provide guidance before it rolls out, starting by raising awareness about the importance of sorting waste at the source.

“Right now, vendors are not separating their waste at all. Food vendors are urged to start doing so and avoid dumping everything into the bins,” he said.

Leong said systematic waste management eases landfill pressure, turns recyclables into raw materials and converts compostable waste into organic fertiliser, supporting environmental sustainability.

He said managing solid waste at the source is crucial as the Kayu Madang landfill, the city’s only site, which also handles waste from neighbouring districts, is nearing the end of its lifespan.

“We only have one landfill at Kayu Madang and its lifespan will shrink if no recovery measures are put in place.

“Recyclables should be separated rather than sent to the landfill, and compostable waste should be turned into fertiliser,” he said.

Leong said the Kayu Madang landfill, in operation since 1997, is now in its final phase, and without a solid waste separation programme, recoverable resources are being wasted.

He added that the waste separation programme has yet to be fully enforced, due to challenges faced by both vendors and DBKK in providing sufficient collection facilities.

Leong said separating waste at the source, particularly food waste, requires prompt disposal to prevent odours, so DBKK must provide proper facilities and set regular collection schedules.

“The waste separation at the source initiative is expected to start next year, while this year focuses on review, updates, and educational efforts for stakeholders,” he added.