The second Eko Waste Summit held in Lagos highlighted the growing concerns of recyclers regarding the continued use of coloured plastics in packaging. Recyclers argue that these coloured plastics, particularly those in shades of brown, black, and grey, are significantly hindering their operations and leading to substantial financial losses. These colours represent a significant portion, between 25% and 35%, of the plastic waste collected, yet they lack a viable market due to the complexities and limitations of the recycling process for these specific pigments. This lack of market access translates to a considerable loss of potential revenue for recyclers, as they invest in collecting these materials but cannot recoup their costs due to the absence of buyers. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that these unrecyclable plastics occupy valuable storage space and tie up capital that could be utilized for more profitable ventures. Recyclers emphasized the urgent need for manufacturers to transition to clearer, more readily recyclable plastic options, echoing the sentiment that sustainable waste management requires a collaborative approach involving all stakeholders.
The crux of the recyclers’ argument centers on the economic impact of coloured plastics. For each kilogram of plastic collected at a cost of N300, an estimated N100 is lost if 30% of that kilogram consists of these unrecyclable coloured plastics. This loss, recyclers contend, is unsustainable in the long run and undermines the viability of their businesses. They question the continued use of these problematic colours, particularly when viable alternatives, like clear plastics, aluminum, or paper packaging, are readily available and have already been adopted by major corporations such as Nestle, Coca-Cola, and 7-Up. The success of these companies in transitioning to more sustainable packaging options serves as a compelling precedent and reinforces the recyclers’ call for widespread industry change.
The frustration voiced by recyclers stems not only from the economic losses but also from the perceived lack of genuine commitment from some manufacturers. While some companies claim to be researching alternative packaging solutions, the recyclers argue that the research phase should be long past, given the readily available and proven alternatives already in use by competitors. They perceive this continued reliance on coloured plastics as a sign of resistance to change and a disregard for the environmental and economic consequences. This sentiment underscores a broader concern that the current strategies for sustainable waste management are often “documentable but not practicable,” implying a disconnect between policy and implementation. Recyclers emphasize the need for a more inclusive approach that involves the informal sector—the waste pickers and aggregators—who are at the forefront of waste collection and bear the brunt of the challenges posed by coloured plastics.
Dr. Gbolahan Yusuf, Councillor of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria and convener of the Eko Waste Summit, echoed the recyclers’ concerns, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration in achieving effective waste management. He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, including government, industry, and the informal waste sector. The summit itself is a testament to this philosophy, designed as a collaborative platform to address the pressing challenges of waste management in Lagos. Yusuf highlighted past successes achieved through sustained advocacy, citing the example of Coca-Cola changing the Sprite bottle to clear plastic in response to public pressure. He expressed hope that similar progress could be made with other manufacturers, particularly those producing beverages like Maltina and energy drinks, which often come in coloured plastic bottles.
Yusuf’s remarks underscore the value that clear plastic bottles offer to recyclers, both in terms of ease of recycling and higher market value. He framed the work of recyclers as a voluntary contribution to environmental cleanup, arguing that they should not be penalized for their efforts by having to contend with difficult-to-recycle materials. While acknowledging that recyclers lack the authority to enforce packaging changes, Yusuf reaffirmed their commitment to continue pressuring manufacturers through advocacy, public engagement, and even public “embarrassment” if necessary. This highlights the determination of the recycling community to hold manufacturers accountable for their packaging choices and their impact on the environment and the recycling industry.
The Eko Waste Summit served as a vital platform for bringing together stakeholders from various sectors – government, industry, and the informal waste sector – to collectively address the complex challenges of sustainable waste management in Lagos. The discussions focused on finding practical, implementable solutions. The summit emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach to policy development, urging the integration of the informal sector – waste collectors, recyclers, and aggregators – into the decision-making process. This emphasizes the critical role played by these frontline workers in waste management and the importance of their insights and experiences in formulating effective strategies. The summit served as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the entire waste management ecosystem and the need for collective action to achieve sustainability.
