Introduction
Human settlements are agglomerations of production and consumption and as such generate waste. Waste comes in many forms ranging from household waste (plastics, organic and liquid/solid effluent), industrial waste and technological waste. Waste management is a big challenge globally across the developed, upcoming and underdeveloped economies, especially in the face of ongoing climate disasters. Much as it is a cause to worry, there is light at the end of the proverbial tunnel there are numerous climate savvy solutions to the waste management debacle.
It’s estimated that more than 2 billion tons of Municipal solid waste is generated annually across the globe. The management of this waste is done by many players including authorities, formal and informal private actors, and civil society. Some of these actors encourage the 3-Rs (reuse, recycle and reduce). While the 2-Rs (reuse and reduce waste) have proven hard to implement, the third one(recycle)has gained traction. Linked to the SDG goals, recycling cuts across the 17 goals in various ways will be highlighted further in this article. Recycling has gained popularity globally and covers 19% of the mechanisms of waste management. Together with waste-to-energy interventions at 13%, they are the only hope in the fight against the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Land filling 30% and uncontrolled waste management methods are outdated and only transfer the waste management challenge. For instance, moving waste to a landfill only changes the physical location of waste while burning on site as done in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia transfer the pollutant from solid to gaseous form.
Waste-to-Wealth Methods and Initiatives
Grounding the writing on 2024 World Urban Forum (12th forum) theme, “It All Starts at Home: Local Actions for Sustainable Cities and Communities”, local actions will take center stage in this section. While pollution from wastes (solid, liquid and gaseous) may seem like a local challenge, the impacts are global and this calls for concerted efforts across the divide to solve this problem and what if such measures also result in more wealth? Sounds like a hoax but did you know that some of these measures are proven to also generate wealth? The two main waste to wealth methods include:
- Solid waste recycling
- Waste-to-energy
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Solid Waste Recycling
Gjenge Makers Limited
Which uses plastic waste to develop affordable and sustainable alternative building materials. Using both post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste, Gjenge have been able to produce paving slabs. This social enterprise is one of the many that help to reduce the 2400-ton daily plastic waste generated by the city of Nairobi. To read more on the matter, visit –Battling Kenya’s Plastic Waste: Young Kenyan Woman is Transforming Waste into Sustainable and Affordable Building Materials.
Watamu Community Solid Waste Management and Recycling Enterprises
Preserving Watamu beaches, at the core of their mandate, this community-based organization deals with plastic pollution along the Coastal beaches. They do this by combining environmental welfare and conservation tasks with community empowerment, employment and alternative income generation, the initiative sets an example for community-based waste management. The initiative generates income by employing locals to collect and recycle plastic waste. Recycled plastic is sold to businesses or used to create arts and crafts for tourists. Local companies support this effort through CSR, ensuring its sustainability. This initiative, while ensuring a flourishing blue economy, also provides meaningful employment opportunities and a source of income for the local community uplifting livelihoods.
Taka Bank
Dandora Hip-hop City and Mr. Green Africa Initiative have launched a community-driven recycling program in Dandora. Residents can deposit recyclable waste at collection kiosks and receive tokens in return. These tokens can be used to purchase essential goods and services. The initiative not only cleans up the environment but also empowers the community.
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Waste-to-Energy
Motobrix
Motobrix, a community-based initiative in Nairobi’s Mathare slum, is transforming waste into clean energy. Founded in 2020 by Calvin Shikuku, the venture addresses the lack of waste management services in the area by collecting and processing discarded materials like charcoal dust, sawdust, and organic waste.
Through a multi-step process involving drying, mixing, and pressing, these materials are converted into eco-friendly briquettes. These briquettes offer a cleaner and more affordable alternative to traditional fuels like charcoal and kerosene, reducing air pollution and saving residents money.
The initiative has not only provided a sustainable solution for waste management but has also created employment opportunities for local youth. By empowering the community and promoting environmental consciousness, Motobrix is making a significant impact on the lives of Mathare residents and the overall sustainability of the city.
Other Waste to Energy Initiatives (planned and Existing)
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Kabira Waste-To-Energy
A proposed 12 MW plant in Kabira, a suburb of Nairobi, that will convert biomass into biogas and fuel ethanol to generate electricity.
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Dandora Waste to Energy Power Station
A planned 45 MW plant in Nairobi that will sell energy to Kenya Power and Lighting Company.
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Kakamega Waste to Energy Plant
A 10 MW plant that will use solid waste from homes, businesses, and industries in Kakamega County and neighboring counties.
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Sanivation
A company on the shores of Lake Naivasha that uses a solar-powered process to turn human waste into clean charcoal.
For Conversion to Clean Energy Briquets
Conclusion
The growing mountains of waste in urban areas are often seen as an insurmountable problem, but with innovative waste-to-wealth initiatives, cities around the world are proving that waste can be an asset. By fostering recycling and waste-to-energy projects, urban communities are not only addressing environmental challenges but also driving local economic growth. These efforts illustrate a new model of urban development—one where waste is a catalyst for change, empowering communities, and building a sustainable future.
Waste doesn’t have to be a liability. With the right initiatives, it can become a cornerstone of sustainable cities, paving the way for greener, wealthier communities.