Circular economy approach to waste management in Kenya | Dr. Aghan Oscar | TEDxKisumu

TL;DR

A company in Kenya is using a circular approach to waste management, recycling plastic and biomass to create useful products, while also addressing food security and providing employment opportunities.

Transcript

good afternoon everybody good afternoon are you all right good I'm going to talk about mixture of plastic and sand and uh it has very unique properties because the water is safe to drink and even if you sp petrol super petrol it won't die then I'll give you a 30 year warranty if you put it in a roof want to change color uh by a degree then the Inno... Read More

Key Insights

• 🗑️ The company's circular approach to waste management eliminates any waste generation in their factory and emphasizes the importance of recycling different types of plastic.
• 😋 By transforming plastic waste into usable resources, such as water-safe mixtures and organic fertilizer, the company contributes to environmental sustainability and addresses food security.
• 💦 They have created employment opportunities for over 1,000 people and work with various organizations and collectors to collect and segregate plastic waste.
• 🏗️ The company's innovative solutions, such as using plastic waste to build houses, provide affordable and sustainable alternatives to traditional construction methods.
• 🚂 They have also partnered with learning institutions to develop a curriculum on waste management, aiming to educate and train individuals in this field.
• 🗑️ The company's focus on securing partnerships with county governments demonstrates their commitment to expanding their waste management initiatives and overcoming bureaucratic challenges.
• 😒 By converting bumper farm waste into nutritious animal feed, the company addresses agricultural challenges and promotes the circular use of resources.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the company ensure the safety of the mixture of plastic and sand that is used for drinking water?

The company ensures the safety of the mixture by using a unique combination of plastic and sand that meets quality standards. They have conducted extensive testing and offer a 30-year warranty to assure the safety of the water.

Q: How do they address the issue of waste segregation and recycling different types of plastic?

The company works with self-help groups, investment clubs, and collectors to collect and segregate different types of plastic. By carefully sorting the plastic, they can determine how to process each type and ensure efficient and effective recycling.

Q: What other products or materials do they create from the recycled plastic?

In addition to generating soil and organic fertilizer, the company converts the recycled plastic into various products. They have even transformed garbage into residential houses, offering a sustainable solution for affordable housing.

Q: How are they addressing the issue of food security through waste management?

The company utilizes the organic fertilizer created from the recycled plastic to address food security. By providing nutrient-rich soil, they promote agricultural productivity and help to ensure a sustainable food supply.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The company recycles plastic and sand to create a unique mixture that is safe to drink and has a 30-year warranty. They recycle 50 tons of plastic each day, generating soil and developing organic fertilizer to address food security.

• They have implemented a circular approach where there is no waste generated in their factory. They employ over 1,000 people and work with self-help groups, investment clubs, and collectors to collect and segregate different types of plastic for recycling.

• The company has also transformed garbage into residential houses and offers a quick and affordable solution for building homes using plastic waste. They also recycle agricultural waste, creating biomas and industrial briquettes.