She told FMT the 120-litre bins would be distributed free. Each bin can hold 60kg of waste.

“We hope the standardisation of the bins will improve waste collection,” she said.

“Compared with the old bins, which have to be lifted manually, these new bins will be much easier for the garbage compactor trucks to pick up.”

The distribution will be carried out in two phases. Under Phase One, which started on Jan 6, about 9,000 bins will be distributed at a cost of about RM1 million. The areas of Kampung Chempaka, Ara Damansara and Sri Damansara have already received their bins.

“We are targeting first the kampung areas and single-storey residential schemes,” Zainun said.

“Phase Two of the project will involve purchasing another 65,000 bins at a cost of about RM7 million.”

Zainun said a total of 18 contractors would service garbage collection in all of the housing schemes in the city.

“Currently, each contractor has four workers for each compactor,” she said. “With the new bins, the contractors will be able to reduce their manpower. They will not need workers to lift the bins into the compactor.”

As for commercial areas, Zainun said business owners would have to buy their own bins. “They’ll have to display their 240-litre bins near their premises. Those who fail to do so will be fined RM150.”