Sanitary landfill sufficient to tackle waste issue

WE refer to the article “Waste-toenergy plant in Kepong – yes or no?” ( The Star, Aug 25). The writer discussed the solid waste issue in the country and the concern about the growing waste volume, particularly in the Klang Valley that generates about 2,300 tonnes of waste a day, the highest in the country.

The writer also touched on the recently shelved Kuala Lumpur incinerator project, and the position taken by the Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, who said the incinerator project was suspended to enable the ministry to seek alternative and more eco-friendly ways to dispose of waste.

The article also stated that the Kuala Lumpur Tak Nak Insinerator (KTI) action group is against any burning of rubbish as it would harm the environment, and hopes the government will find a solution that does not involve the burning of waste.

In the context of Kuala Lumpur, the Bukit Tagar Sanitary Landfill (BTSL) has been managing Kuala Lumpur’s waste since 2005.

Currently, BTSL is managing all solid waste generated from Kuala Lumpur and several municipalities from Selangor, receiving approximately 2,500 tonnes of waste per day from these parties.

With a total capacity of 120 million metric tonnes, BTSL has sufficient capacity to last over 100 years based on the daily amount it cur- rently receives, even after taking into account annual waste volume increment over the years.

A solution of over 100 years is as good as a permanent solution for Kuala Lumpur. There is no need to look for any alternative solid waste facilities for Kuala Lumpur for many more years to come. Instead, the authorities should consider ways to reduce waste volume through recycling and other similar means.

BTSL is a Level 4 sanitary landfill based on the USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) standard, the highest level in sanitary landfills. It has full HDPE membrane liner, leachate collection and treatment facilities, comprehensive landfill gas management system and power generation facility connected to the national grid.

With these credentials, BTSL fits the bill in satisfying the requirements of the government that wants the most suitable, cost-effective and convenient way to manage rubbish. With BTSL, there’s no need for the Kuala Lumpur incinerator at all as BTSL is more than capable of managing Kuala Lumpur’s waste for the long term in every aspect in relation to capacity, tipping fee, social consideration, technology and environmental compliance.