ADDIS ABABA- The Addis Ababa Solid Waste Management Agency said that it has earned over 52 million birr from the sale of solid waste in the first half of this budget year.
Kassahun Tesgaye, Use and Recycling Center Directorate Director at the Agency told The Ethiopian Herald that it is possible to turn wastes into wealth and hence reduce environmental pollution.
“In this regard, we have managed to collect and recycle over 17 thousand tones of solid waste,” he said.
He also added that in Addis there are about 74 associations engaged in waste disposal. They are working in collaboration with the Agency and are playing a vital role in reducing pollution and income generation.
Kassahun also said to prevent long-term environmental impact, the best and efficient way of waste disposal, particularly plastic waste, is recycling.
The agency has a network of over 15 recycling companies working on solid waste. Hence, the program is benefiting citizens by generating income.
The Agency is currently overseeing the establishment of additional 500 associations to scale up its activities.
The market demand for solid waste is increasing but there is a need to improve the awareness of the society regarding the proper ways of waste disposal that is suitable for recycling.
Sources from Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission also said that the Commission is preparing a law that forces firms companies to collect their wastes. The enforcement of this law will have a significant impact on reducing environmental pollution.
The Ethiopian Herald February 27/2020
BY MULATU BELACHEW
