Main Image via The Star

66-year-old K. Paramasiwa, is the last glass recycler in Penang, with a small shop operating in Lebuh Victoria.

The recycling center has been operational since 1926. It was opened by Paramasiwam’s relatives who migrated from India. However back in the day, they focused on recycling gunny sacks used by traders.

In the 1980s, the use of gunny sacks dwindled and the recycling center switched to recycling large plastic bags used to transport goods like rice and sugar…and when plastic bags became less popular, the shop turned its focus toward glass.

An average of 5 sen to 15 sen is paid receiving glass bottles, and they are sent off to be cleaned. The cleaning is an expensive process that often costs the same or more than what he pays for the bottle.

After cleaning, the glass bottles are sold at a profit margin ranging from 3 sen to 18 sen a piece, depending on the size and make of the bottle.

“I send some bottles back to their original manufacturers while others are sold to businesses that need them, for example to pack honey.” Paramasiwam said.

The Covid-19 pandemic had a great impact on the small business as lorry transport services from Thailand has been disrupted; causing a shortage of material, and business to decline by 70% to 80% since the virus outbreak.

Paramasiwam hopes the situation improves soon and he can bounce back.

We at RAAGA hope the same for him and everyone going through equally challenging times.