With the annual increase in waste generation and heavy reliance on landfilling as disposal, method in
Malaysia, it is just a matter of time before significant problems of space limitations, health, and environmental
issues hit the nation severely. This paper attempts to develop an overview on solid, waste
recycling in Malaysia at the most basic level of a community or nation which is the household, unit.
Households are the main primary source of municipal solid waste in Malaysia, consisting of, recyclable
materials at most 70% to 80% of the total waste composition as found placed in the, landfills. Overview
on the existing household solid waste recycling policy and program status in, Malaysia is relevant in
enhancing solid waste management measure from recycling perspective. Despite the high potential and
opportunities for solid waste recycling, wastes are still simply being, dumped in an open area of ground
without any attempt for recovery and recycling. Comparing to, recycling rates of neighboring countries,
Malaysia is falling back at merely 5% which proves how, uncommon recycling practice is. The government
is committed to significantly improve the national’s, solid waste management services especially in waste
minimization. Fortunately the emphasis on, recycling as a sustainable waste management strategy has
taken a shift in paradigm as wastes, separation and recycling are part of the major changes in the current
policy implementation. With, issues and challenges in recycling practice that were highlighted in this
context especially from the, aspects of information availability and other loopholes within solid waste
management policies and, related recycling program within the community, the question on whether
the goals in 2020 can be, met remains unsure of but there is a possibility for a successful implementation
of sustainable solid, waste management particularly in recycling.