As the globe commemorates Global Recycling Day on March 18th, it is important to acknowledge the critical role recycling plays in Nigeria’s economic and environmental landscape. This year’s theme, “recognizing youth,” emphasizes the capacity of people and organizations, particularly the youth, to propel positive change via recycling activities.

What the Global Recycling Day is all about:

Global Recycling Day, observed annually on March 18th, aims to promote awareness about the significance of recycling, encourage involvement in sustainable waste management methods, and educate the world about the state of our vital resources.

It was created by the Global Recycling Foundation in 2018 to recognize and promote the crucial role recycling plays in global sustainability efforts. The day urges individuals, businesses, and governments to support recycling activities and implement sustainable waste management methods.

Benefits and Opportunities of Recycling in Nigeria

If you glance into the gutters of most major Nigerian cities, you will see floating cans, empty plastic bottles, nylon water sachets, and other human-discarded waste products that have been swept there by rain and are blocking the drain.

In recent years, Nigeria has seen an increase in recycling activities, which convert garbage into useful resources and generate financial possibilities. Let’s look at the economic rewards of recycling in Nigeria.

1. Revenue Generation and Market Opportunities:

The recycling sector generates significant money via the selling of recycled materials both locally and globally. Although Nigeria’s recycling sector is competitive, there is still unmet development potential. Individuals who participate in these programs can earn extra income while also resolving environmental concerns.

An organization that offers such opportunities is “Wecyclers”. They offer pickup services whereby individuals and households can sign up for free. Upon collection of recyclable items, subscribers are allotted points which accumulate with every collection. Every April, August and December, these points can be exchanged for cash rewards. You can explore Wecyclers and their services here: Recyclable Pick up – Services (wecyclers.com)

• Waste Reduction and Cost Savings:

Efficient trash management through recycling lessens the burden on landfills and incineration plants. This in turn lowers disposal expenses for individuals, organizations, and municipalities.

There are also stories of how modern-day “wastepreneurs” in Nigeria ingeniously repurpose waste materials into useful raw materials for their work. Some have repurposed discarded fabric and rags to make batik tapestries, others have repurposed discarded pure-water sachets into material used to weave products like slippers, bags, mats, etc, there are others still who have transformed waste materials such as car tyres, scrap metal, and plastic, into works of art, and the list goes on.

Recycling saved them the cost of buying raw materials needed for their work, thereby maximizing profit.

• Job Creation and Economic Growth

Recycling operations have given rise to job possibilities, particularly for young Nigerians. It has contributed considerably to employment development in a variety of industries, including garbage collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing. Most notably, “scrap” has now become a key manufacturing input for Nigeria. People are now making a business out of owning scrapyards where they sell ferrous and non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, aluminium, etc.

As of the year 2019, scrap accounted for nearly all of Nigeria’s total steel consumption, which was estimated to be 6.8 million metric tonnes per year.

Greenhill Recycling Limited is a company that offers job opportunities of becoming a recycling agent or a franchisee. To find out more, visit: Get Involved – GreenHill Recycling (ghrng.com)

Make Recycling Work for You

Individuals and corporations may maximize the financial benefits of recycling by using the following strategies:

Start small: Begin by separating items that are recyclable like plastics, paper, glass, and metals from your household or office garbage.

Explore Opportunities: Investigate local recycling programs, initiatives, and businesses that provide incentives for recycling.

Collaborate: Engage with community organizations, schools, and youth groups to organize recycling drives and awareness campaigns.

Innovate: Foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the recycling industry by assisting young Nigerian inventors with sustainable waste management concepts.

Jos Green Centre runs an annual “Youth Greenovation Expo” that recognizes youth innovativeness in coming up with marketable problem-solving eco-innovations. This an opportunity for “wastepreneurs” and “eco-entrepreneurs” to network, showcase their ingenuity, and also attract potential investors. You can explore Jos Green Centre and their projects here: Projects | Jos Green Centre

Conclusion: A Sustainable Future for Nigeria’s Youth

As we observe Global Recycling Day, let us empower the Nigerian youth to become change agents by adopting recycling habits. By recognizing the financial benefits of recycling and taking steps to promote sustainability, we can create new economic possibilities, contribute to a greener environment, and ensure a more affluent future.