By Abdullahi Lukman
The world is facing an escalating waste crisis, with over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste generated annually.
Yet, only 9 percent of plastic waste is recycled globally, contributing to roughly 5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to experts.
This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions.
The United Nations reported that in 2019, the global material footprint reached 85.9 billion tons, a significant rise from 73.2 billion tons a decade earlier.
The volume of electronic waste, including discarded smartphones, tablets, and other devices, also saw a 38 percent surge in the same year, emphasizing the growing scale of the global waste management challenge.
In Nigeria, the waste crisis is particularly severe. The country generates 32 million metric tons of waste annually, with only 20-30 percent of it being collected.
With daily waste generation per capita averaging 0.51 kg, Nigeria’s total waste is expected to reach 107 million tons by 2050.
Additionally, Nigeria produces 1.5 million tons of plastic waste every year, with a recycling rate of less than 10 percent, making it one of the world’s worst waste management offenders.
This year’s Global Recycling Day theme, “Breaking Barriers: A Revolutionary Blueprint for the Waste Management Crisis,” serves as a reminder of the vital role recycling plays in combating climate change and preserving natural resources.
It also calls attention to the environmental and health risks posed by waste mismanagement, including water pollution, land degradation, and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of its commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Nigeria is updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and has the opportunity to prioritize renewable energy sources, including waste-to-energy technologies.
Experts argue that the country must implement policies that foster sustainable practices, protect ecosystems, and drive economic and social equity.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), emphasized the need for collective action to address the waste crisis.
“We must raise awareness about recycling, engage communities in sustainable practices, and develop innovative waste management solutions,” he stated.
Oluwafemi also called for governments and stakeholders to collaborate in creating a supportive environment backed by progressive policies and a strong legal framework.
Ogunlade Olamide, Associate Director for Climate Change at CAPPA, stressed that transitioning to a circular economy requires a significant shift in behavior. “We must prioritize reducing, reusing, and recycling,” Olamide said.
He recommended reducing the use of single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives like containers, water bottles, and bags.
According to Olamide, such measures could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth.
As the global waste crisis intensifies, experts agree that outdated waste management systems must be overhauled.
The adoption of innovative solutions and sustainable practices is crucial to protecting the planet and securing a better future for generations to come.
