Category: Blog

What is recycling:

Recycling refers to a process of diverting or rescuing valuable materials from the waste stream.

Rescued materials or resources can be re-used, processed into alternative raw materials and/or manufactured into new products, instead of being condemned and disposed at dumpsites.

Existing opportunities

• As recycling continues to take shape in the country, new and unique opportunities keeps on emerging depending on the material stream one is handling.
• —Some of major material streams in our waste which continue to offer opportunities for their value include:

1. Plastics (PET, HDPE, PP, LDPE)
2. Waste paper
3. Scrap metal (Copper, aluminium, steel, cast iron e.t.c.
4. Textile waste, used oil
5. Rubber such as used tyres
6. Bones for crushing to bone meal
7. Composting of organic waste to organic fertilizer
8. Collection of food waste for use as animal feeds.

Sample products made from recycled materials and re-use:

• The price of recycled materials is largely dependent on market demand. However, recyclable materials are readily available hence can fetch a good profit.
• Ensure quality extraction of materials from waste.
• Sometimes changes in weather can affect collection, however, at such times the demand is high hence good profit.
• Associated costs in accessing market which vary dependent on source versus market location.

Things to consider:

1. Identify a place to operate (space for storage)
2. Collect what is readily available for maximum collection.
3. Know your market: (Where to sell and at what price).
4. Maintain good book keeping habit.

Waste is wealth….

KAWR is doing its best in creating the much needed recycling awareness among the public in order to help drive the recycling agenda as well as ensure its members do not have to continuously incur losses due to low value of materials they receive from pickers.

We also collaborating with like-minded stakeholders such as PETCo in helping the country achieve the much desired recycling rate of 35% from the current 10% as a country.

Our mission is to create a circular economy and sustainable environment through recycling.

Benefits

• Better linkage: KAWR is the first stop for the government and other stakeholders when they want to engage with recyclers. In future, members may be the first to get consideration in case of selective recycling opportunities from local and national goverments.
• Building network: A member is able to link up and share ideas with with over 400 other recyclers hence easier access to raw materials and market for materials collected.
• Advocacy: KAWR is the leading voice on behalf of recyclers at the national and local levels on legislative and regulatory issues with an aim of improving business climate for recyclers. This gives a member a better representation and sense of belonging.
• Access to information: membership organizations are a source of latest news on recycling trends, market changes hence be able to make informed decisions in time.
• Getting discounts and support: KAWR members enjoys discounted rates from appointed bodies in areas such as EIA and Audit as a step towards regulatory compliance.
• Training and recycling advice: members are able to get frequent training on what can be recycled, how to process the material and where the market exists for different materials in an ever-changing recycling environment