"Let's Go Waste Wise! Zero Waste, Zero Pollution" is a solid waste management project aimed at keeping Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama clean and waste-free. Located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama is a typical water village with buildings constructed on stilts over the water. The village is home to approximately 3,000 residents, most of whom are from low-income families. Our focus is on the coastal area (as shown in Figure 1), where about 800 villagers reside. This area has been chosen as the project location because the primary waste issue stems from garbage disposal in coastal residential areas (Figure 2). This waste can flow into the ocean, causing pollution and threatening marine life. Additionally, waste from these areas can wash ashore at Tanjung Aru Beach, a popular tourist destination, adversely affecting the tourism industry in Sabah. While there are many water villages in Kota Kinabalu, some are illegal. In contrast, Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama is a legal settlement managed by Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK). We believe that working with a legal village will facilitate better cooperation with key partners on this project. Therefore, Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama is an ideal location to launch an awareness campaign on proper solid waste management and the importance of maintaining local cleanliness.

Based on a research survey conducted by final-year students in 2024 (Jocelyn, G. J. (2024), the main causes of waste pollution and poor waste management in this area include the direct disposal of rubbish into the sea, bins being full and overflowing, and villagers wanting to recycle but lacking knowledge on how to do so (Figure 3). To address these issues and help local residents achieve a higher quality of life, our project includes several activities, such as awareness talks and community clean-up events. We will assist the villagers by teaching them proper waste management practices, promoting a zero-waste lifestyle, and demonstrating recycling methods. Additionally, we will organize community clean-up events to improve the cleanliness of Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama and encourage residents to take responsibility for their environment. Furthermore, the project includes a Waste2Cash program, where we will collaborate with recycling companies to visit the village and purchase sorted waste from the villagers. This initiative will not only enhance waste management and keep the environment cleaner but also provide an opportunity for villagers to earn money by selling sorted recyclables.Other than that, this activity is also expected to continue even after this campaign ends, and it will encourage the community to keep practicing 3R culture and free environment from waste pollution.

Figure 1. Location of Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama, Sabah which divided into Zone A: Land Area and Zone B: Coastal Area

Figure 2. Current situation at Kampung Tanjung Aru, Sabah Source: Jocelyn, G. J. (2024).

Figure 3. Analysis of Factors Contributing to Ineffective Waste Management in Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama Source: Jocelyn, G. J. (2024).

Vision

Focus on establishing sustainable waste management strategies that reduce environment impact and increase long term resources efficiency.

Mission

1. To educate and empower communities to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle (3R), protect natural resources, and reduce pollution through talks and campaigns (Zero-waste week campaign).
2. To teach villagers proper recycling methods of five main types of recyclable materials, which not only benefit the environment but also provide economic opportunities, such as income generation through recycling and composting programs (Waste2cash Program).
3. To establish a one-stop centre (3R Hero Centre) for 3R activities, such as a collection and trading place for recyclable materials in Kampung Tanjung Aru.

Phase 1: Site Visit, Plan Revision and Preparation

Phase 1: Meeting With Key Partner

Phase 1: Items and Tools Preparation

Phase 2: ‘Zero Waste Week’

Phase 3: Final Inspection and handover project to Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama’s Community

The impact of ‘Let’s go waste wise! zero waste, zero pollution’ project on the community can be significant and multifaceted. Here are some key impacts listed for this project:

1. Knowledge: 640 (80%) villagers at Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama have acquired the capability to implement a zero waste lifestyle, understand recycling principles, and handle solid waste effectively.
2. Villager Satisfaction: 640 (80%) villagers’ expressed satisfaction as a result of a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.
3. Participation: Fostering active participation among a diverse group approximately 250 participants including Kampung Tanjung Aru Lama’s residents, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) students, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah students, DBKK, SEPA, Zero Waste Sabah, Prestige Recycle Technics Sdn Bhd, Fathopes Energy and SM La Salle Kota Kinabalu
4. Recycling Rates: 15% increase in recycling volume compared to the previous two weeks.
5. Environment: Improve environment quality by recycling which reduce 20% to 30% amount of waste generated or sent to landfills.