Pilot scheme on recycling plastic waste begins in Ashiedu Keteke

Accra, Aug. 10, GNA - Mr Adjiri Blankson, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, on Tuesday launched a pilot community based initiative on plastic recycling.

The initiative is part of the Africa-Asia Eco-Partnership programme, being sponsored by the UNDP and designed to combat complex urban environmental issues by creating Intra-City and Inter-City partnership among selected African and Asian cities. Mr Blankson observed that the proliferation of plastic waste in the city had led to serious disposal problems.

He said the absence of credible recycling outlet had resulted in almost all-plastic waste finding their way into the general waste stream thereby making its disposal difficult.

Mr Blankson said the current percentage by weight in the waste stream was between 3.5 per cent and five per cent and this posed a threat to agricultural land; led to choked drains and interfered with aesthetic appeal of the environment.

The Mayor, however, expressed optimism that project would succeed. He said as part of its contribution to the success of the Eco-Partnership Programme, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would provide bins in schools, churches and community areas within the pilot zone to facilitate collection and eventual transportation to recycling plants.

He said the Assembly would embark on other promotional activities with the support of the UNDP in educating the public on littering as well as to train school children and voluntary groups on recycling and re-use of plastic materials.

The Mayor appealed to producers and users of plastic materials to show positive commitment and goodwill towards the efforts of the AMA in ridding the city of filth.