Re-Evaluation of Local Community Participation in Waste Management in Malaysia: Primary Collection Scheme

Abstract

Sustainable waste management in rapidly urbanizing regions requires effective integration of technical systems with community participation, yet many urban areas in Southeast Asia continue to rely on centralized and inefficient collection models that overlook the role of local communities at the source level. In Malaysia, waste management remains largely focused on downstream processes, while the collection stage receives limited attention, creating a critical gap in understanding how community participation influences system performance. This study addresses this gap by re-evaluating local community participation in waste management through Primary Collection Schemes (PCS) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. A qualitative exploratory case study design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 45 informants, participant observation over nine months, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The findings reveal that community-based PCS significantly improves collection frequency, service coverage, environmental cleanliness, and responsiveness to local needs. The model also reduces operational costs for local authorities and strengthens the institutional capacity of residents’ associations. However, participation remains uneven, particularly in household-level waste sorting and recycling due to limited infrastructure and institutional support. The study concludes that community participation at the primary collection stage is a critical determinant of sustainable waste management. Effective implementation requires a hybrid governance model that combines community engagement with institutional support. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of upstream interventions. It provides policy-relevant insights for strengthening community-based waste management systems in Malaysia and similar urban contexts.