In 2005, the Buy-Back Recycling Campaign was initiated by Council as an on-going program to encourage Kuching residents to recycle their solid wastes such as paper boxes, old newspapers, mixed papers, P.E.T. bottles, aluminum tins, mixed plastics, scrap cans and iron in exchange for reward points that could be used for redeeming household goods. Due to the success and popularity of this Buy-Back Recycling Campaign, the manual tasks involved to administrate and manage this waste management has become progressively time-consuming with an increasing workload. In particular, the process of manually collecting recyclables has become inefficient in terms of time, cost and the usage of paper redemption coupons.

Leveraging on the advancement, speed and capability of digital technology and big data, Council embarked on the project aims to digitize the Buy Back Recycling Campaign through the development of the iBuyBack Application, streamlining the redemption process and reducing manual workload for council employees. The main objectives include transitioning from manual to digital implementation of the buy-back tasks to enhance efficiency, eliminating the need for printed reward coupons, contributing to a more environmentally friendly system.

Enhancing waste collection and segregation through the iBuyBack Application, curbing landfill accumulation, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.