PENANG is stepping up efforts to strengthen its circular economy ecosystem with the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered e-waste collection hub near Komtar, alongside a strategic partnership between Riiicycle Tech Sdn Bhd and Techom Metal Sdn Bhd to boost responsible recycling practices statewide, including other keys partners.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Riiicycle and Techom was witnessed by state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and Penang Green Council chief executive officer Josephine Tan during a ceremony held at JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La earlier today.
Following the signing ceremony, Sundarajoo led a delegation to Pacific Komtar, where Riiicycle unveiled its Kitar Hub initiative featuring several AI-powered recycling bins designed to collect e-waste, plastics, scrap metals and used beverage cartons.
The initiative is sponsored by Techom.
Speaking to reporters, Sundarajoo said the partnership reflects Penang’s continued commitment towards building a sustainable and circular economy-driven future.
“Techom, together with Riicycle, already have over 100 points now for e-waste collection, and they are looking at expanding more.
“We want to make it easy for people to dispose of unwanted batteries,” he said.
Techom founder YC Tan confirmed that more than 100 e-waste collection points have already been established throughout Penang through collaborations with recyclers.
“These collection points are located in open areas and are easily accessible to the public,” Sundarajoo added, noting that the newly launched Kitar Hub near Komtar is among the latest additions.
Meanwhile, Josephine revealed that Penang currently has a total of 246 recycling stations across both the island and Seberang Perai under a broader public-private collaboration model.
“For the whole Penang state, we have 246 recycling stations.
“PGC also has an online directory (Mampan) available to help communities locate nearby collection centres and recycling stations according to categories such as e-waste, textiles and plastics,” she said.
On the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy, Sundarajoo stressed the importance of education and public awareness.
“We are on an educational drive now. We have many programmes on the importance of the circular economy and green initiatives in Penang through PGC.
“Every raw material available today, if we continuously keep removing it from the earth, there will be a day when we run short of it.
“At the rate the world is moving today, everything is happening at supersonic speed. We cannot wait for regeneration to happen naturally. So, the next best option is to use what we already have through recycling,” he said.
He added that recycling not only conserves natural resources but also reduces dependence on landfill sites.
“What Techom is doing is fantastic. They recycle aluminium and copper components locally, while the black mass from batteries is exported and later returned as lithium batteries again.
“You actually minimise damage to Mother Nature because you do not need to keep harvesting resources repeatedly,” he said.
Riiicycle founder Chin Huat Chew explained that the AI bins are equipped with monitoring systems and reward mechanisms aimed at encouraging proper recycling habits.
“We have four categories, e-waste, plastics, scrap metals and used beverage cartons.
“When users recycle items, they receive rewards which can be redeemed through Touch ’n Go e-wallet credits or vouchers depending on the item deposited,” he said.
To use the bins, users are required to scan a QR code displayed on the units and install the Riicycle mobile application.
Chin added that every movement around the bins is monitored through cameras and CCTV systems to prevent contamination and misuse.
“If someone throws food waste into the recycling bins, we can identify and educate them because contamination affects the recyclability of the collected materials.
“For example, if someone throws a drink with an open cap into a battery collection bin, it contaminates everything and creates difficulties for recyclers,” he explained.
According to him, proper collection is the foundation of a successful circular economy.
“Circularity starts from collection. Without proper collection, circularity will not happen. It will remain linear and end up at dump sites,” he said.
YC Tan, meanwhile, emphasised that education remains the most important component in ensuring the success of recycling initiatives.
“We have conducted more than 1,000 campaigns over the past two to three years.
“We need to educate and encourage people to do segregation properly while using new technology and AI to make recycling easier and more convenient. At the same time, people can also earn rewards,” he said.
The AI-powered unit launched today is the first of its kind in Penang.
Chin said Riiicycle is targeting the rollout of approximately 100 smart bins and AI bins statewide this year.
He explained that the smart bins are capable of weighing recyclable items and automatically rewarding users, while the AI bins utilise intelligent systems to improve waste segregation efficiency.
Authorities are also engaging with the Department of Environment (DOE) to ensure proper compliance and handling procedures for e-waste collection.
Meanwhile, Sundarajoo also thanked Riiicycle for choosing Penang, particularly an area near the state government’s administrative hub, as the site for implementing the initiative.
He described the Kitar Hub as a significant step forward in strengthening Penang’s sustainable waste management ecosystem and public participation in recycling efforts.
In a related development, Josephine thanked Penang Development Corporation (PDC) Setia Urus for playing a key role in the setting up of the Kitar Hub initiative in the vicinity of Komtar.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat