Chronicle EditorVusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
COMPANIES in Bulawayo have expressed interest in a massive plastic bottle recycling project which will see schools being engaged and bins strategically placed at various locations for the disposal of the bottles, where they will collect them.
In the long term, the project aims at having the city eventually being able to separate waste, with recyclable waste such as paper and cardboard, glass and tin being collected separately, while organic waste will be sent to the landfill for disposal.
“Due to an increased use of plastic materials for packaging, there has been an increase in the littering of these used or waste plastic materials. Even though waste collection bins and containers are placed all around the CBD, the public is not adhering to the proper disposal of this waste.
“The plan is to place collection bins or containers in schools and have companies which recycle or reuse these waste plastic bottles, as raw materials, frequently pick them up. The sustainability of the project is based on the involvement of school children collecting the waste plastic bottles and they in turn will generate an income from the collection from the industrial partners who reuse and recycle this waste,” reads a Bulawayo City Council report.
The project is designed to be implemented over a five-year period with School Development Associations being involved in its roll out, so that the schools equally benefit as well for harnessing waste and securing it.
“It was noted that if successful it can be rolled out to other high waste generation centres and different facilities and institutions such as colleges, stadiums, termini, parks. Its multiplier effect will be to eventually be able to separate/segregate waste in the city.
“Recyclable waste such as paper and cardboard, glass, and tin will be collected separately, and only organic waste is to be sent to landfill for disposal,” reads the report.
It was noted that one of the advantages of the project will be waste management and disposal costs will be reduced as the only material disposed at the landfill, would the organic waste, which biodegradable.
“The matter was considered and Councillor Rodney Jele noted that council had previously acceded to a similar application from Pragma Leaf Investments. To date nothing has happened. It would be prudent to defer this report and await a detailed report on Pragma Leaf Investments to be submitted.
“The Deputy Mayor (Councillor Mlandu Ncube) highlighted that concerns had been raised about solid waste management in the city. The issue of solid waste management should be taken seriously. There was a company with five refuse compactors which had made an application to council to collect refuse from schools. There was need to review relevant policies accordingly,” reads the report.
Online Reporter