The Post Consumer Pet bottle recycling company based in Ruaraka, Nairobi has appealed to the County Government to allow the commissioning of bottle collection points across the county where brokers will pick them.
The company which has been operating since 2012 and is the largest bottle recycling company in East and Central Africa, said they process an average of 250 tons of plastic waste which is exported to various countries.
But of late they have been having a challenge in getting enough bottles for recycling to support their plant’s capacity.
In a letter addressed to Nairobi County Government, the firm said on average they require 10 tons a day but they have been receiving about 6 tons since January this year.
The firm, with 55 workers of whom 80 per cent are women, said they have the required licenses from NEMA and the County Government.
The firm noted that with a rational and consistent plastic waste management, there is an opportunity to reap a range of benefits.
It noted that plastic waste accumulation and solid waste dumping facilities raise public concerns because of potential smoke from open burning, odours, insects, rodents and gaseous emission.
|”There are numerous opportunities for community based solid waste primary collection, recycling and composting systems through involvement of neighbourhood and non-governmental organisations working closely with the residents,” the firm said.
“We are therefore requesting the Nairobi County Government to allow the commissioning of duly licensed bottle collection points where brokers will be allowed to pick and deliver bottles,” the firm said.
It said it was ready to train workers on the processes involved.
The firm listed suitable collection centres manned by trained workers; collection of all types of plastic scrap and train onsite sorting; establishing collection centres in compounds of churches and schools; delivery of such bottles to the vendors and making payments and setting up of separation centres within the compound as necessary process it was willing to roll out.
It noted that plastic waste is a valuable resource if addressed correctly.
The benefits to be derived include boosting the economy through creating markets for recycles and new jobs and business opportunities.
Also, by reducing adverse impact on the health, more people will settle in such areas.
Proper waste management, the firm said, also helps protect the environment and leads to improved air and water quality.
The firm recommended other counties learn from Nairobi on the best practices in waste management, once it adopts its proposal.
“These are issues I assume you are aware of. In order for us to recycle efficiently, we need your support so that we can change the perception that plastic is dangerous to the environment,” the firm said in a letter addressed to Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko.