One of the green warriors of RWMF pick up rubbish on the festival ground. – Photo from STB
KUCHING (July 9): The recently-concluded Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 generated a total of 3,543.3 kilograms of waste, with 1,550.0 kilograms or 31.3 per cent successfully diverted thanks to robust waste management systems and the collective effort of eco-conscious attendees and partners.
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Sharzede Salleh Askor in a statement today highly commended the festival-goers for their increased environmental consciousness this year.
“The festival’s success in maintaining a pristine environment over the three days wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support from our attendees.
“Your commitment to properly disposing of waste in the designated bins was exemplary and greatly appreciated,” she said.
She also extended STB’s gratitude to Trienekens Sarawak for providing the crucial waste segregation bins, which were instrumental in diverting waste from landfills.
“It was a fantastic demonstration of community and collaboration for a greener festival,” she said, adding this effort synced with RWMF 2025’s theme “Connections: One Earth, One Love which not only celebrated diverse music and cultures but also reinforced a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship.
Sharzede also said the RWMF looks forward to building on this year’s achievements, continuing to set a benchmark for sustainable event management in the region
According to the statement, among the diverted waste this year and recycled were 215.7 kilograms of old corrugated containers (OCC) and paper, 410.8 kilograms of plastic, 271.0 kilograms of metal, and 225.0 kilograms of glass.
In addition, 21.9 kilograms of used cooking oil were responsibly recycled, and a commendable 413.6 kilograms of food waste were turned into compost. General waste stood at 1,976.3 kg.
In comparison, STB said the RWMF 2024 edition recorded 4,581.72 kilograms of waste, with 1,712.7 kilograms – over 37 per cent – diverted.
STB said while the figures vary year to year, the RWMF successfully maintained a waste diversion rate above 30 per cent, underscoring consistent efforts toward environmental sustainability regardless of scale.