In the wake of increasing environmental challenges across Africa, environment advocacy body, Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC), is urging industries to adopt effective waste management strategies to reduce pollution and mitigate the impact on the Nigerian environment.
It emphaiseed that proper management of industrial waste is essential to protect ecosystems, prevent hazardous conditions, and align with global sustainability goals.
CAMIC also noted the importance of industries adopting environmentally sound practices for the proper management of industrial waste:
It further pointed out that industries should separate waste based on typy, such as hazardous, recyclable, and non-hazardous, before disposal.
“Proper segregation ensures that hazardous materials like chemicals and electronic waste are handled separately to prevent contamination and environmental damage,” the body stated in a statement released by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi in Abuja on Thursday.
The body also challenged ndustries to invest in cleaner technologies that minimize waste generation. This includes the use of energy-efficient equipment, waste-reduction technologies, and sustainable materials in production processes, pointing out that by reducing the amount of waste generated, companies can lower the burden on disposal systems.
CAMIC further emphasised that ndustries should embrace circular economy principles by reusing materials where possible and recycling waste products. It said: “Waste like scrap metal, paper, plastic, and industrial solvents can often be repurposed, reducing the demand for raw materials and the volume of waste sent to landfills.”
According to the body, hazardous industrial waste, such as chemical residues, heavy metals, and toxic by-products, must be treated before disposal to neutralize harmful effects.
It continued: “Industries should partner with certified waste treatment facilities that follow international standards to ensure safe disposal and avoid contaminating soil, air, and water.”
“For non-recyclable waste, industries should adopt sustainable disposal methods like controlled landfilling or incineration with energy recovery. These methods minimize environmental impact, but they must be closely monitored to ensure compliance with environmental safety standards.
“Industries should conduct regular environmental audits to assess their waste management practices. This ensures compliance with environmental regulations, identifies areas for improvement, and encourages continual innovation in waste management solutions.
“Employee awareness and training programs are essential for effective waste management. CAMIC encourages industries to invest in educating their workforce on best practices for reducing, handling, and disposing of waste in a responsible manner.:
“Industries must work in collaboration with governments, local authorities, and environmental regulatory bodies to comply with existing waste management laws and guidelines. CAMIC urges companies to stay informed about national and international environmental regulations and actively participate in shaping sustainable waste management policies,” CAMIC stated.
