Volunteer at Klang Tzu Chi Recycling Centre - Day 6

On the 15th of May, we gathered again at Klang's Tzu Chi Recycling Center at 10 a.m. When we arrive, the center have already started to operate as usual. Everyone were in their work station accordingly doing their own part. After a short greeting, we continue our work from the day before which is  to sort out various bags of recyclable items from a few trolleys. The trolleys is filled with recyclable items all day long by the residents that live in that area. When a bag is full, it will be move to its classified area that we were taught to by the seniors. 

After a while of sorting, a truck arrived at the gate of the center. The truck was filled with two refrigerator, lots of plastic bags and bamboo stick. We were assigned to unload the truck as we were more suitable for these tasks compare to the elderly. The elderly were relived that we were there that day because it would be troublesome for them to unload the items on that truck. The bamboo sticks were to be carried to the second floor of the center and placed in the meeting hall while the refrigerators were to be moved to electronic stations to be repair or give away. 

A moment later, a second truck arrived. They are here to collect glasses which were sorted a while back to be recycle. They came with their workers so we din't have to handle the moving ourselves. 

At 12 p.m, everyone was called in to take their lunch prepared by the kitchen worker. Before the meal, the center have a tradition of singing a few song related to gratitude, environment and etc. we had fried rice and sweet potato soup.  

Next, we headed back to our work station which was to assemble cardboard and stack them up neatly. As we carried out our service, we heard stories about the members in the center there and how the service community helped them in life. There were one member that hold a degree in engineering but had an terrible accident on his job that causes him to be slight paralysis. He joined the center which allowed him to opened up and interact more with the community. Some of them were poor that they only had egg and rich for their meal. After all those stories, we realized how lucky we were and we should be grateful for it. 

Before leaving, we took pictures with the members of the recycling center to keep our memories. Lastly, we showed our regards and gratefulness before parting away. 

Volunteer at Klang Tzu Chi Recycling Centre - Day 5

On the 14th of May, we arrive Klang’s Tzu Chi Recycling Centre at 10 a.m. It is a large recycling centre compare to SS3 one. We meet Ms Chen, the senior Tzu Chi staff in this recycling centre at the front door. Ms Chen is a very enthusiastic person, she invited us to have breakfast with them before work.

After having a simple breakfast, Ms Chen leaded us look around and introduced on how this recycling centre operated. She also explained the classification method of recycling items with us. Although we already know how to classify the items as we do recycle in SS3 before, we still listen to her speech carefully. Later, we found the way of them handling aluminium cans are different from previous recycling centre. In SS3, they told us to flatten the aluminium cans to save more space. But in this recycling centre they don’t flatten the aluminium cans because the recycling factory asked them to send the cans without flattened to let the new machines handle aluminium cans more efficiently.

We sort out recyclable items from the trolley. 

Every day, people around this area will bring recyclable items to here and put things into the trolleys. There are several trolleys put in the front door, our job is to sort out those items by categories from the trolleys. Before starting out the sorting, Ms Chen bring out several linen bags and plastic bags for a clearer classify the categorize of each item according to their type. Then we start to sort out various bags of recyclable items from one of the trolley. When a bag is full, we move it to the classified area base on its type.

Han Shen sorting paper product into different category.

While we are sorting recyclable items, Han Shen was called to help other people. There are one room for storing all paper products in this recycling centre. Han Shen was called to that place to help on sorting paper made into different category.

At 12 p.m, we have lunch together with them. Due to Tzu Chi have related to Buddhism, the meals they provide are vegetarian. The meals are cooked in the kitchen and the dishes are put on a long table. Everyone line up to take the amount they want to eat.

After lunch, we continue our work. While we are sorting recyclable items, there are some residents who lived around here bring the stuff from their home. Some of them are recyclable items, and some are things that can be sell as second-hand goods. Whenever we found something that are still new or can be reused, we will send it to upstairs, and place it in the shop. The shop are selling those goods to people in need at a cheap price.

The shop on 2nd Floor

During this time, we found out some of the volunteers are people with disabilities. There is an uncle who looks 50 years old. Although his left arm is disabled and some of his actions are inconvenient, he still helps others to weigh heavy things with his strong right arm. He is a role model for us to learn, he has to work harder than we do to achieve results. We must learn his spirit of perseverance and self-improvement.

At the end of the day, bought some pizza to reward everyone for the hard working. After we finished eating, we cleaned up the dishes and ready to go back. Before leaving, we leave our impression in the visitor feedback book.

Klang Tzu Chi Recycling Centre’s
 visitor feedback book.

Content we write in the book.