The proper disposal of old gadgets and other waste has become an urgent matter and a major concern, with everyone required to contribute towards transforming waste into sustainable solutions for a greener Rwanda and a healthier planet. To address this issue, a group of dedicated practitioners has emerged as champions of recycling and waste management. This youthful group is revolutionizing the concept of waste by harnessing innovation, technology, and community engagement to create sustainable solutions. Their endeavors not only tackle the pressing issue of waste management but also inspire others to reconsider their approach to consumption and waste disposal. ALSO READ: RURA, Enviroserve Rwanda launch competition to boost e-waste collection One notable organization making a difference is Enviroserve Rwanda Green Park (ERGP), a public-private enterprise operating in partnership with the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of Trade and Industry. ERGP specializes in the recycling of electric and electronic waste. E-waste refers to end-of-life electric and electronic equipment, including mobile phones, laptops, hand dryers, hair dryers, batteries, lamps, electric cookers, and cooling equipment such as air conditioners and fridges. ERGP collects these items for processing, either through recycling or refurbishing, such as laptops. A recent survey conducted in Rwanda reveals that between 10,000 tons and 15,000 tons of electronic waste are generated every year. However, less than 20 percent of that is being collected. Edwin Ndashimye, Partnership and Communication Manager at ERGP, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of e-waste. Through training and media channels, they aim to educate people on how to properly dispose of old electronic gadgets. Noel Nizeyimana, the Managing Director of Green Care Rwanda Ltd, based in Huye district said that the company utilizes 75 percent of the collected waste and that recyclable waste, such as plastics, accounts for 20 percent, while papers and cupboards make up one percent. Non-recyclable waste, including textiles, construction debris, and grass, accounts for nine percent. We process eight tons of waste daily, with two tons of organic waste transformed into fertilizers, he adds. Each fertilizer packet weighs 50 kilograms and is sold at Rwf70, equivalent to Rwf3500. The firm's capital has increased from the initial Rwf1 million to rwf50 million. Eric Nsengiyumva, 34, an artist affiliated with Kunda Eco Art space, an organization dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability through art says they specialize in transforming discarded materials such as beer bottles, glass, papers, and pieces of clothes into artistic decorations. Nsengiyumva's work involves both crafting and renovating these discarded items, giving them a new purpose and aesthetic appeal. By repurposing materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or contribute to pollution, he advocates for a more sustainable approach to waste management. ALSO READ: Environment protection and waste management in Rwanda Cyntyche Mahoro serves as the Operations Manager at Toto Safi reusable diapers, a company focused on manufacturing eco-friendly baby care products like diapers, breast pads, and wet bags to promote cost-effectiveness and reduce the use of single-use materials. These diapers are made from high-quality, durable materials that can be washed and reused multiple times. By using reusable diapers instead of disposable ones, parents can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by their baby's diaper usage, explains Cyntyche. As the journey towards a waste-free future continues, this group of individuals aim to inspire others and policymakers to take action and embrace sustainable waste management practices. They argue that every step counts, and it is indeed possible to turn trash into treasure.
