The simple act of sorting garbage has emerged as a powerful solution to address environmental concerns and promote sustainability. This action is regarded as the most efficient waste management method, as well as a means of protecting the environment and conserving resources.
Why is sorting garbage essential?
Juliet Kabera, the Director General of Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA), said sorting garbage plays a pivotal role in mitigating environmental damage.
"Given the different types of wastes such as hazardous wastes, solid wastes, industrial wastes, plastic wastes, radioactive wastes, biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes, we need to properly sort wastes to not only effectively handle and manage them, but also to enable efficient recovery and recycling of valuable materials,” she said.
Failure to sort waste can cause negative impacts on the environment. Mixed waste ends up in landfills, which contributes to the release of harmful greenhouse gases and toxins. These pollutants can contaminate soil and water, posing a threat to human health.
Kabera said, "Recycling these materials significantly reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and the need for raw material extraction.”
The consequences also extend far beyond landfills. For instance, if non-recyclable waste is not properly disposed of, it often ends up in rivers, oceans, and delicate ecosystems.
REMA underscores the importance of preventing such contamination in air, soil and water as it causes risks to ecosystems.
Sorting garbage is a critical step towards building a sustainable and circular economy. By separating recyclable materials, they can be processed and transformed into new products, reducing the need for raw material.
"A well-functioning recycling industry reduces spending more resources for waste treatment and disposal,” explained Kabera, adding, "Inability to effectively recycle and recover materials leads to a higher demand for new resources, leading to increased deforestation, mining and extraction activities.”
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Educating and encouraging individuals to sort their garbage is essential for long-term change. REMA believes that effective awareness campaigns and education initiatives are pivotal in altering consumer behaviour.
Kabera said REMA launched a five-year project known as ‘Decoupling Hazardous Waste Generation’ to support economic growth, in order to promote hazardous and chemical waste management.
"The project will contribute to the achievement of the long-term goals set by the government in waste management.
"We also collaborate with the private sector to promote recycling initiatives, and proper management of waste. In this regard, REMA is working with Enviroserve Rwanda on different initiatives that aim to manage waste-plastic and e-waste so that materials can be recycled, and properly dispose of other materials which cannot be recycled,” she said.
Therefore, sorting your garbage may seem like a small act, but its implications are significant.
"Implementing effective waste sorting practices from the source is important for promoting a more sustainable future and healthy environment, promoting a circular economy and creating green jobs especially when it comes to recycling,” Kabera emphasised.