Murang’a residents express concerns over handling of avocado waste
The waste is mainly composed of the fibrous part of the avocado fruits including the pulp, skin and some remnants of the seed
A section of Murang’a County residents have raised concerns over the handling of green waste by avocado processing firms in the region.
The residents from Kibuu, Rukira and Muruka areas in Kandara constituency claim that waste from processed avocado fruits, known as pomace, is being dumped recklessly in the area, raising environmental concerns.
Avocado pomace is a fibrous by-product of avocado oil production, generated when avocado fruits are pressed to extract oil. It is a waste product that can be used as a source of bioenergy like biofuel or briquettes, and can also be used in functional foods and cosmetics.
The waste is mainly composed of the fibrous part of the avocado fruits including the pulp, skin and some remnants of the seed.
Speaking to journalists, the residents maintained that firms that dump the waste in the area should ensure it is treated properly so as not to put the environment and their health in jeopardy.
The locals led by Paul Marugu, Josphat Njoroge and Mary Njoki claim that trucks have been ferrying the waste into the area adding that they are worried by the foul odour emanating from the waste.
“Our main concern is the foul odour emanating from the waste. We fear there might be outbreak of diseases if the waste is not properly handled including treating it with enzymes,” said Murugu.
The villagers also claimed that the pods where the waste is being dumped have turned into breeding zones for mosquitoes, noting that they pose danger to locals and children who use the roads in the area.
They appealed for proper regulation and implementation of policies of handling of the waste by the relevant authorities including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Public Health Officials and the county government, so as to avert a possible health and or environment crisis.
A spot-check in various firms indicated that they are struggling to handle pomace especially during this avocado season due to an influx of the produce.
However, some are implementing measures to recycle the waste including the pomace and avocado cake which is now being turned into feeds and fertilizer.
Murang’a County NEMA Director Catherine Wanjiru acknowledged concerns by the locals, but dispelled fears that the pomace is posing a threat to the environment, noting that it is organic waste which can be used to make fertilizer.
She also averred that the sites where the waste is being dumped have been thoroughly scrutinized and licensed by the relevant authorities adding that stringent regulations have been put in place for the waste handlers.
“In Murang’a, those who deal with the waste haulage have formed an association to ensure that the regulations and policies are strictly adhered to. We have also notified them that all trucks ferrying the waste are painted green and labeled green waste to distinguish them from exhausters that haul raw sewerage,” she said.
Ms Wanjiru also put on notice rogue transporters who are ferrying the waste using exhausters, noting that they are contravening the laws on green waste handling and endangering the lives of residents.
The NEMA Director also averred that most avocado processing firms in the region are adopting latest technologies and practices to manage the waste including recycling it into more useful and environmental-friendly products like organic fertilizer and livestock feeds.
“There are factories that are already recycling the waste after it has dried to make biochar and briquettes which are a good source of energy. Others are making fertilizer and livestock feeds,” she noted.
