Group of environmentalists push drive on waste collection in Nairobi estates

Pius Nyaga hands over recyclable bottles to Gideon Ripisina Procurement officer and Harrison Thuku logistics officer T3 limited during a drive to collect recyclable waste in the kilimani area.[Wilberforce Okwiri,Standard]

As Kenyans struggle with solid waste management, a group of environmental conservationists has embarked on a waste collection drive in Nairobi's Kilimani area.

The exercise conducted by Kilimani Project Foundation saw residents of Nairobi deliver solid waste to various waste recycling companies that collect plastics bottles, papers, electronic and textile waste.

According to Emily Mutua, the Community Based Organisation brings together partners in solid waste management in a waste collection drive.

"The Kilicycle collection drive purpose is to get the community to dispose of their recyclable waste responsibility. We appreciate that there is waste that doesn't have to get to the dumpsites because it can be reused," said Mutua adding that the exercise is conducted monthly.

Among the companies that participated in the exercise include Takataka Solutions that recycle solid and biodegradable waste to produce compost and other plastic flexes, Trash Thread Textile (T3), Kijani Gang and WEEE Centre.

“We intend to bring more partners in the recycling business to ensure that much of the waste that ends up in the dumpsites is biodegradable," said Mutua.

Gideon Ripisian of T3 explained that reusing plastic materials protects the environment from the plastic pollution menace.

"We are working with communities to establish segregated collection points in residential areas where people can dump waste responsibly,” said Risipian.

Jennifer Wang, Chief Sales Officer at TakaTaka Solutions company noted that their company recycles up to 95 percent of solid waste collected from residential areas, commercial buildings and estates.

However, the players in solid waste management expressed concerns over the lack of waste separation at source. This means nonreusable and recyclable waste end up in dumpsites hence making it difficult to sort them for recycling.

The exercise also attracted the participation of about 20 teenagers under Kijani Gang that deals with environmental conservation.

“We adopted the strategy where we use our areas on interest such as football, computer, and animation and videography to identify the environmental issues therein and create awareness. Those interest in computers focus on e-waste collection and our friends in soccer plant trees equal to goals they have scored in particular games,” said Imani Ogana.

[email protected]