Determination of municipal solid waste composition, generation rate and its recyclable potential in Penang, Malaysia—a statistical approach

The municipal solid waste (MSW) generation rate in Malaysia is increasing annually due to population growth, industrialization, advancement in technology, economic growth, and lifestyle. Landfilling is the main method of solid waste management, while recycling is still underrated in Malaysia. Penang state has initiated a “Waste Segregation at Source” (WSAS) campaign in 2016 to reduce MSW disposal in Pulau Burung landfill to cultivate recycling habits among Penangites. However, there are no studies being conducted to measure the effectiveness of this campaign. Hence, this study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the WSAS campaign before (2011 until 2015) and after (2016 until 2020) implementation. The objectives of the study are to evaluate MSW generation, the recyclable potential based on the composition, and its relationship in Penang by using statistical analysis and the SWOT-AHP model from 2011 until 2020. Secondary data were obtained from Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), and journals. SPSS was used to carry out the statistical analysis by using ANOVA one way, correlation, and regression. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) model was conducted through three series of questionnaire to obtain expert opinion and mathematical calculation to determine the degree of SWOT on MSW generation and recycling in Penang. The outcome of this study showed that both the MSW generation and the recycling potential increased in the state for the past 10 years. Besides, the effectiveness of WSAS showed positive results in terms of recycling rates before (2011–2015) and after (2016–2020) the campaign was implemented.