AdminMondelēz International has marked the successful conclusion of its Trash Right 2025 programme, reinforcing the growing role of schools in driving recycling awareness and sustainable habits among young Malaysians. Now in its third consecutive year, the in-school initiative recorded its strongest performance yet, with 12 participating schools collectively collecting more than 23 metric tonnes of recyclable plastics.
The programme involved schools across Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan, WP Putrajaya and Negeri Sembilan, reflecting a wider geographic reach and stronger engagement from education stakeholders. The closing ceremony, held on 17 December, was attended by En. Mohamad Yusran bin Mohamad Yusoff, Assistant District Education Officer of Seremban, alongside representatives from participating schools and strategic partners PINTAR Foundation and Trash4Cash.
Steady growth from pilot to multi-state programme
Trash Right has demonstrated consistent growth since its inception in 2023. What began as a three-month pilot involving a single school, which collected 1.3 metric tonnes of plastic waste, has evolved into a multi-state initiative with measurable environmental outcomes. In 2024, the programme expanded to six schools in Selangor, achieving 14 metric tonnes of recyclables over six months.
The 2025 edition more than doubled participation and significantly increased collection volumes, underscoring rising awareness and commitment among students, teachers and parents. These milestones point to the effectiveness of sustained engagement and structured incentives in encouraging responsible waste practices within school communities.
Targeting students from Year 4 to Year 6, Trash Right uses classroom-based competitions to promote proper plastic segregation at home, recycling discipline and mindful consumption. The approach aims to foster long-term behavioural change, extending environmental responsibility beyond the classroom into households and surrounding communities.
Behavioural change visible in classrooms and homes
Teachers involved in the programme reported clear shifts in student attitudes and habits. Miss Hasnirita Binti Abd Ghani, a teacher at SK Desa Cempaka, said the initiative has strengthened environmental understanding among pupils.
“Through this programme, our students are gaining a much deeper understanding about recycling. It’s an effective and engaging way to teach children the value of recycling and how their small daily habits can collectively protect our environment,” she said.
Students have also embraced the programme with enthusiasm. Zafirah Farisya, 11, from the same school, described the hands-on nature of the initiative as both enjoyable and meaningful.
“I’m happy to be part of this programme. My friends and I always look forward to collecting the plastic waste to be recycled. It has helped me understand why recycling is important and how my efforts can make a difference,” she said.
Supporting circular economy through strategic partnerships
A key strength of Trash Right lies in its partnerships with PINTAR Foundation and Trash4Cash, which ensure that all collected plastics are responsibly processed. The materials are repurposed into eco-boards under a collaboration between Mondelēz International and Trash4Cash, creating a sustainable lumber alternative for furniture and construction use. This tangible output directly supports Malaysia’s growing circular economy.
Beatrice Wang, Corporate Communications Manager for Malaysia-Singapore and SEA at Mondelēz International, said the programme reflects the company’s broader sustainability ambitions.
“Trash Right is Mondelēz International’s signature program across SEA with the purpose of nurturing the next generation of circular economy champions, and has been implemented in five countries. We are heartened by the collective support from the state education departments as well as the wider school community, and look forward to expanding the Trash Right program together with our partners to more states,” she said.
From a modest pilot to a meaningful regional platform, Trash Right illustrates how early education and practical participation can drive lasting environmental change, while supporting Mondelēz International’s Snacking Made Right purpose through sustainability-led community initiatives.
Add comment