The reality in Nigeria is that it is an emerging economy with a population of nearly two hundred million people, hence, it generates a lot of waste. Meanwhile, some business savvy entrepreneurs have recognized the immense potential in waste management and have begun harnessing it through recycling.
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Recycling is the conversion of waste materials into new and useful products. In Nigeria, recycling is still at its infancy stage, but it is a positive way to reduce the dependence on raw materials and promote a clean and healthy environment. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction, and its materials include kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, tires, textiles and electronics.
Different kinds of recycling
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PET Recycling
Polyethene terephthalate (PET) is a type of plastic commonly used as beverage bottles, household products, energy drinks etc. When discarded, the bottles are collected and taken to the recycling plant, sorted according to certain parameters and then they get recycled. They can be made for packaging into bags, car components, furniture, building materials, paint pots among others.
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Can Recycling
Cans are 100% recyclable into the following:
- Aluminium cans are recycled into new aluminium cans, shelves, rain gutters, or window frames.
- Steel cans become new steel cans, recycled bicycles, or steel beams.
- Glass jars and bottles are recycled into new jars and bottles.
Apart from the impact on the economy, it saves 74% of the energy used in producing them.
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Cardboard/Paper Recycling
Cardboard is a thick sheet of paper known for its durability and hardness. Examples of cardboard recycling include boxes, egg cartons, shoe boxes, etc. It is used as a way to keep the environment green.
Newspapers can be recycled for the following purposes:
- Wrapping of books.
- Cleaning windows with vinegar and water solution.
- Shelf lining.
- Barbecue cleaner.
- Shape keeper for shoes and bags.
- Firestarter.
- Removing musty odours.
- Compost material.
- Oven cleaner.
- Clearing up broken glasses.
Combating the menace of waste pollution has become a worldwide challenge. This is because waste pollution is known to block drainage lines and fill up land space, thereby, causing floods, erosion and deterioration of the Nigerian roads. They are also harmful to health, as they contain harmful acids which may lead to death.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for recycling these waste materials into different products and helping the world tend towards energy and sustainable development.
Featured Image Source: Waste Point
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