The Effect of COVID-19 to the Recycling Rates at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

The crisis of COVID-19 changed the dynamics of waste generation internationally in virtually every sector; recycling rates were affected and are strongly linked to waste generation rates. The objective of this study was to determine the recycling rate and identify the most recycled items at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were sorted within 3 years, from 2019 to 2021, using the recycling rate data collected at the UTHM recycling center. For each material type, the calculated recycling rates for the 3 years were analyzed. The result is that paper achieved the most recycled materials, followed by plastic, metal, and glass. As for paper, the material was used to a higher extent in education, which means a significant discrepancy in recycling rates. On the other hand, glass materials were recycled the least throughout the year, as many schools do not offer items in glass containers. The Movement Control Order (MCO) during the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly helped minimize pollution. This event made people pay more attention to environmental health and the need for a sustainable environment.