Island Recycling Centers Enhance Waste Management in Three Islands in Semporna
On Larapan Island and Omadal Island, the “Rumah Kitar Semula” or Recycling Centres have been successfully establishedto serve as collection points for recyclable materials under the islands’ waste management plans. Developed together with community-led action groups with funding from the European Union, and supported by WWF-Malaysia, the island-based waste management plans were develop based on the skills, knowledge and capacity of community-based organizations and aim to support their ambition in driving local waste management solutions
With the Recycling Centre on Mabul Island fully operational, the centre now houses a plastic upcycling machine, which is managed in collaboration with Scuba Junkie SEAS – a local not-for-profit marine conservation organization as the on-ground implementer, together with the local marginalized communities as key partners. The facility plays a central role in supporting the implementation of the Mabul Waste Management Plan, promoting plastic recovery, upcycling initiatives, and community-based participation in reducing plastic leakage into the marine environment.
Beyond their operational role, the recycling centres will also function as educational hubs, providing spaces for community members to engage in awareness activities, trainings, and hands-on recycling practices aimed at fostering long-term environmental stewardship.
Collaborative Action in Education: Promoting Recycling in Schools
Collaborating closely with the Malaysia Recycling Alliance (MAREA) through the Semporna Green School (Sekolah Hijau Semporna) project,this initiative aims to establish recycling centres and collection points across 10 schools in Semporna, promoting recycling culture and environmental stewardship among youths.
A meeting held on 9th October 2025 received strong support from six participating schools on Semporna mainland. Under this partnership, WWF-Malaysia serves as the knowledge and technical partner, while also providing on-ground support for Communication, Education, and Public Awareness activities with the participating schools.
