The main project implementer was SERI. SERI is a policy, research and development organization partially funded by the Penang state government. The project involved also the state government, a private company, community organizations and other representatives from the pilot neighborhoods (such as a building owner, etc.). It was clear that the relationship between SERI, other partners and the private company were not smooth. Each side claimed a lack of understanding and unrealistic expectations of the other.
Importantly, Penang has a relatively sophisticated series of PPP arrangements for solid waste collection throughout the province by private operators. The pilot projects were not designed to connect to these services. Similarly, it may have been feasible to add pro-poor components onto these service contracts, such as by requiring the private collectors to collect separated waste.