A Gap Analysis in Selected Asian Countries, 3R Knowledge Hub ...

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3R Gap Analysis and Findings
services to other parts of Kampung Ayer also
need to be pursued.
In dealing with solid waste special attention
has been given to plastics. This is because of the
hazards that plastic poses if they are not
properly disposed. Littering of plastic bags and
plastic packaging is a major nuisance. In an
effort to reduce the use of plastic bags and
plastic packaging, a campaign to raise
awareness on the issue among consumers and
retailers. As part of the campaign, Butra-
Heidelberger Cement has switched to paper
bags to pack their cement whilst seven other
superstores and several textile and book shops
have made pledges to reduce their use of
plastic packaging by 20%.
Despite of many ongoing efforts, the problems
associated with solid wastes need further
attention. This amongst others includes:
• Promoting public awareness and support
• Strengthening regulatory and enforcement
measures
• Improving the existing facilities and services
• Promoting the use of better performing
technology
Continuous efforts are being made to improve
coordination with the management of solid
wastes through improvements in the system of
refuse collection, increasing the coverage of
refuse collection as well as to increase the
number of public facilities. Currently solid
waste collection services are provided only in
the urban and urban fringe areas. Extensive
communal bin systems have been initiated to
supplement the existing house-to-house
collection services; nevertheless, a common
disposal practice is open dumping. The use of
incinerators has been considered and expected
to be introduced once feasible.
HEALTHCARE WASTE
In Brunei, medical and healthcare services are
provided by government hospitals, health
centers, and clinics all over the country. Flying
Medical Services are provided to remote areas
that are not accessible either by land or water.
There are four government hospitals in each
district and two private hospitals. The largest
and the main referral hospital is Raja Isteri
Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS), equipped with
modern and latest advances in medical
technology.
A national workshop regarding dioxin and
furan inventory was organized by UNEP in
Brunei Darussalam in 2002. It was observed
that incineration of hospital waste is widely
practiced in the country. Incinerators in Brunei
are relatively small and operated in batch mode.
An inventory indicates a total of 1.4g TEQ for
the year 2001, of which 42% is from the medical
waste incinerators and 41% from land filling
and dumping, followed by uncontrolled
burning (5.7%) and transport (4.8%). The
workshop has revealed that the major dioxin
and furan sources in the country are hospital
waste incineration and residues from sewage
sludge treatment plants.
Certain policies on environmental health are
stipulated in various administrative orders or
circulars and not in regular legislation. There is
a National Health Care Plan (2000-2010) which
contains key strategic areas for health
promotion, disease promotion and disease
prevention. Currently, there is no Public Health
Act in Brunei stipulating environmental health
functions. The Department of Health Services
will undertake work regarding this matter.
Further, there is no national policy specifically
Incinerator at
RIPAS Hospital
Image Source:
UNEP, (2002)