The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is very concerned to learn that the Malaysian government is considering building two incinerators in Melaka and Johor. Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin, was quoted as saying that the projects planned under the 10th Malaysia Plan was at the cost determination stage before being forwarded to the Economic Planning Unit for approval. Besides this, the ministry is also building five mini-incinerators on Pulau Tioman, Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Labuan and in Cameron Highlands.

Recycling of electronic waste continues to pose a hazard to workers and the environment.

MANILA, Philippines—Environmental groups have urged the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to take steps in eliminating the use of mercury ahead of the Governing Council meeting in Nairobi this month. In their project report titled “Mercury Rising: Reducing Global Emissions form Burning Mercury-Added Products,” Zero Mercury Working Group, Ban Toxics and Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives urged UNEP to form an intergovernmental body that will regulate the use of mercury in the manufacture of products.

MANILA, Philippines—A country that is grappling with tons of garbage every day can’t be made a dumping ground of toxic wastes, non-government organizations said in an appeal to the Senate not to ratify the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement. In a letter to Senate President Manuel Villar, 66 NGO leaders from around the world joined calls from local NGOs urging the Senate not to approve what they describe as a “flawed treaty” that promotes trade of toxic wastes.

U.S. and Canada Coordinator Dave Ciplet is interviewed in this piece from ClimateWire. Read on and see why incinerators and landfills are not the right solutions to deal with our waste.