Municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling practices: Case studies in Putrajaya Malaysia and Kitakyushu Japan

This study attempts to analyse the municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling practices in the city of Kitakyushu, Japan, and Putrajaya Malaysia. Also assessed was the Putrajaya residents’ preference for a MSW recycling system. Data were obtained through semi-structured interview, field observations and a survey to 301 residents in Putrajaya. The MSW generation rate in Putrajaya was 0.944 kg capita−1 day−1 with a recycling rate of about 8%. In the same year, the generation and recycling rates in Kitakyushu City were 0.495 kg capita−1 day−1 and 26% respectively. Both cities apply a separated waste collection system. In Kitakyushu City, waste is segregated into twenty-two recyclable items and the residents are required to purchase designated bags for waste separation and storage. The collection of nonrecyclable items in Kitakyushu City is more frequent and structured. In addition the waste separation at the recycling centres is also more specific and advanced. Nevertheless, the Putrajaya residents’ preferred the existing MSW recycling system practiced in Putrajaya as their option in MSW recycling to the current system in Kitakyushu City (t (300)=9.524, p