Recycling: Germany tasks stakeholders on innovations for environmental, economic benefits
The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on Wednesday charged stakeholders to be innovative in recycling.
According to it, this will benefit and sustain the environment and promote economic growth.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the German Agency for International Cooperation or (GIZ) is an international enterprise owned by the German Federal Government, operating in many fields across more than 130 countries.
Speaking at an Innovation Fair and Circular Economy Exhibition held in Lagos, Dr Thuweba Noor Abdurahman, Head of Project, Digital Transformation Center, GIZ, said innovation was the heart of all inventions.
According to Abdurahman, plastic waste accounts for over 12 per cent of world waste which was threatening to become the most visible item in the ocean.
“Animals die from consuming plastic bags in their environments and I am sure many of you have experienced flooding, as a result of drainage systems being clogged up with discarded single use plastic containers and Styrofoam.
“Despite the negative side effects, the risk involved in not innovating is great. Doing something new, untested or unproven may seem daunting.
“However, the biggest risk of all for a modern business may in fact be, not innovating and the necessity to solve the problem posed by plastic, leads us to explore, invent and to commit to the continuous innovation of the plastic recycling value chain.
“This serves as the bedrock for a beneficial circular economy,” she said.
Abdurahman added that digital innovations in plastic recycling would have immense benefits on the environment through leveraging technology.
The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Innovation and Technology, Mr Olatunbosun Alake, who was represented by Mr Akeem Hassan, said that Lagos state must leverage digital innovation to aid recycling.
“This is by efficiently connecting consumers, waste collectors and recyclers. Reduction by engaging consumers on ways to cut down resource usage and redesigning by optimizing processes.
“Deep Technology adoption, artificial Intelligence to understand natural systems, big data and data visualization, catalytic hydrothermal reactor, blockchain, and satellite observation of ocean plastics.
“Innovations will only be scaled up if there is strong market demand.
“Using regulatory obligations and financial incentives, the Lagos State government is looking at setting market conditions that enhance the uptake of circular technologies in consumption and production patierns.
“We are on the road to Nigeria’s first plastics policy for Lagos state and we will explore several policies including but not limited to extended producer responsibility, citizen mandate recycling policy, polluter pays principles and more,” he said.
One of the innovators, Mr Sunday Sholanke, Chief Executive Officer JUNKYARD, said PETs Point Technology was established to create value from plastic wastes.
He said plastics end up in drainage due to lack of technology, lack of waste collection infrastructure and high cost of haulage which led to creation of JUNKYARD App.
“The mobile app is a digital web platform which connects citizens with recyclables to the closest community collection points or recyclers with instant reward options.
“It drives towards achieving circularity environmental and economic sustainability,” he said.
Ms Prudence Okonna, the Programme Manager at TRASHCOIN, said billions of tonnes of plastic were being produced in Nigeria and most end up as waste which is destroying the marine life.
“The TRASHCOIN mobile app is a digital market place connecting nearby recyclers to producers.
“Waste collection is a noble profession; it is the protection of environment so it should not be seen as a dirty job.
“What we are doing is to profile collectors to avoid situations where unknown persons come and steal your waste. We are also bridging the gap between waste producers and recyclers,” he said. (NAN)
