The IIUM Recycle Day 3.0 was successfully held on November 9, 2024. This year, we partnered with various entities to streamline the entire process, from collection to loading donations onto trucks.
Alhamdulillah, we managed to recover an impressive 53 tonnes (53,000 kg) of used textiles—including clothes, bags, and shoes—from the Kuantan community. The program accepted donations exclusively from the IIUM community between November 4 and November 8, with the event opening to the public on November 9. According to our report, approximately 1,340 people joined us on the main event day to donate their items.
First and foremost, we extend our gratitude to the 100 volunteers who contributed their time and energy. Without their hard work, physical strength, and dedication, this event would not have been possible. We also wish to thank the Dean of the Kulliyyah of Nursing, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamil, for graciously allowing us to use the compound and storage areas for collection and event purposes.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Campus Director Prof. Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Hafiz Zulkifly for his invaluable administrative and financial support. We are also grateful to the IIUM security and management teams for their assistance during peak hours.
A special shoutout to the IIUM KEPMC members, especially our Program Manager Sr. Wan Nazma Fazira from the Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, Assistant Program Manager Sr. Nadia Gzali from the Kulliyyah of Nursing, Sr. Puteri Adib from Planet IIUM, Br. Azim from SASMEC, and all EPMC members, for their hard work and dedication.
Lastly, we extend our sincere appreciation to our partners: KOMITED Malaysia, Alam Flora, Gading Senggara, Masniaga, Kyroz, Ibins, Aqqad, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Usahawan Pahang, for their invaluable physical and financial support.
So, what do we actually get by recycling this huge amount of cloth?
Collecting and recycling 53 tonnes of textiles has a significant positive environmental impact, helping to conserve resources, reduce waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Here’s how:
- Reducing Landfill Waste: By diverting 53 tonnes of textiles from landfills, we reduce the space used by textile waste, which can take years to decompose and often releases harmful greenhouse gases like methane in the process. This action reduces the strain on landfill sites and prevents soil and water contamination from synthetic fibers and dyes.
- Conserving Resources: Recycled textiles lower the demand for new raw materials, such as cotton, polyester, and dyes, which require substantial amounts of water, energy, and chemicals to produce. For instance, recycling cotton saves water and reduces the need for pesticides, while reducing the need for polyester lessens the demand for petroleum-based resources.
- Reducing Carbon Emissions: Manufacturing new textiles emits considerable CO₂. Recycling existing textiles cuts down on these emissions, as less energy is required to process and repurpose used items compared to creating new ones. Every tonne of textiles recycled can prevent an estimated 3.6 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, so this collection likely prevented nearly 190 tonnes of CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere.
- Encouraging Sustainable Habits: Events like the IIUM Recycle Day 3.0 promote community awareness about waste reduction and sustainable practices. By showing people that their unwanted items can have a second life, we’re helping to foster a culture of recycling and conscious consumption, which has long-term positive effects on environmental sustainability.
- Supporting a Circular Economy: Recycled textiles can be transformed into various products, from insulation materials to cleaning cloths, helping to create a circular economy where materials are reused and repurposed rather than disposed of. This approach reduces dependence on virgin materials, supporting sustainability goals.
Overall, the collection and recycling of these 53 tonnes represent a tangible step toward reducing environmental impact and building a more sustainable future.
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