KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Recycling Association (Ripple) is setting up a community-based learning centre to educate the public on household waste management and environmental sustainability.

It also intends to train at least 15 leaders for grassroots recycling initiatives.

The Ripple Circle (Community Initiative for Recycling, Circular Learning and Education) centre is part of a mission to tackle Sabah's waste issues through volunteerism, education and action, said Ripple Sabah co-chair Michelle De La Harpe.

“This will be more than just a recycling centre. It is a space where community, environment, and education come together to create a lasting impact,” she said at the launch event in Luyang on Friday (July 18).

The centre, run entirely by volunteers, will accept sorted and cleaned glass and plastic bottles from 9am to noon every Sunday from next month.

Supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM SDG), the centre is part of Ripple’s wider vision to empower communities through environmental education.

“We aim to train at least 15 people, particularly unemployed youth, women, and those from the B40 group, to become eco-entrepreneurs with the skills to run small-scale recycling businesses,” De La Harpe added.

She said earlier Ripple initiatives had diverted over 41 tonnes of glass and 22 tonnes of plastic from landfills, prevented more than 6,000kg of carbon emissions, and generated over RM28,000 in community income.

The centre also addresses the lack of structured recycling infrastructure.

Co-chair Tressie Yap highlighted the daily struggles faced by Ripple and other NGOs, which end up handling contaminated recyclables during sorting because of poor public awareness.

“We are overwhelmed. People drop off recyclables mixed with food waste and even diapers. Clear policies, proper scheduling and support are needed for recyclers like us,” Yap said.

She urged local authorities to step in with structured logistics and manpower, suggesting designated collection days such as paper on Mondays, plastic on Tuesdays, and so on.

“It is not just our problem. All recyclers and social enterprises face the same issue. If Malaysians followed practices like cleaning before recycling, as it's done in Japan and Australia, we would see more grassroots efforts succeed,” De La Harpe added.

Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) will be delivering the glass bottles it collects directly to the centre.

Friday's launch was officiated by Kapayan assemblyman Datuk Jannie Lasimbang, who said the initiative is an example of how community-led action can align with and strengthen government environmental goals.

Some of the materials collected will be repurposed into items like mobile phone holders, book covers and decorative pieces, and sold at outlets both here and in Kuala Lumpur.

The movement's flagship store, Upcycle Shack, founded by Yap, is currently Ripple’s only operating social enterprise, but there are plans to replicate the model to encourage more artisanal upcycling businesses.

“Response has been very encouraging. We earn between RM2,000 and RM3,000 monthly, which helps cover wages, machine upkeep and operating costs,” Yap added.

The public is invited to drop off recyclables every Sunday from August, and those interested in volunteering or participating in training may sign up via Ripple’s social media platforms.