The problem of waste management has become critical due to the adverse effects on the environment. Residential areas are identified as the main cause of the increase in the volume of waste. Therefore, to reduce the adverse impact, community involvement should be implemented. This study aims to identify the composition of the waste in a residential area in Tawau. In addition, this study also identifies the involvement of the population in waste separation activities. Therefore, two methods of interviews and measurements in the study area are used. The study found that compositions such as paper, glass, plastic and food waste are among the major waste discarded by respondents everyday .The respondents assume about 2.9kg of waste dumped everyday. The study also found that 59.5% of respondents never practice waste segreration. On the other hand the vast majority of respondents (66%) made waste segreration to obtain economic returns. It is friendly to environment and at the same time, help to reduce the usage of natural resources. Overall, residents in the area of studies disregard the practiceof source separation in their daily routine.This study reccommends that the management of waste segretation is controlled by authoritative bodies.