7 Small Changes To Properly Dispose Waste In Nigeria

Nigeria currently faces one of the most challenging waste management systems in the world. While there are significant obstacles at the Local, State, and Federal levels, the good news is that we can still make a difference by taking action at the individual level. With just a few small changes, we can collectively work towards making Nigeria a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable place to live.

Here are 7 easy steps that can help you contribute:

1. Organize Your Waste into 4 Simple Categories

Sorting waste is one of the most effective ways to ensure proper disposal and maximize recycling efforts. Here’s how you can do it:

• Compost: Organic and biodegradable waste such as food scraps, fruit peels, and yard trimmings.
• Recyclables: Materials that can be turned into new products, like paper, cardboard, plastics, tins, and cans.
• Non-Recyclables: Waste that cannot be composted or recycled and should be disposed of properly.
• Hazardous Waste: Toxic materials that may be flammable or harmful to the environment. These require specialized disposal and should never be dumped without proper consultation with local authorities.

By sorting your waste, you’ll help reduce the amount that ends up in landfills and ensure hazardous materials are disposed of safely.

2. Compost What You Can

Composting is an incredibly effective way to recycle organic waste. By placing wet organic materials like fruit and vegetable scraps together with dry compostable items like leaves and paper in a compost bin, you can create nutrient-rich soil over time. This process not only helps reduce waste but also provides you with a natural way to fertilize your plants!

3. Avoid Quick Fixes That Can Harm

It may feel easier to simply throw all your waste into one bin and forget about it, but this is one of the worst things you can do. Illegal dumping is a major issue in Nigeria and poses serious threats to human health, the environment, and the economy. It leads to water and soil pollution, fire hazards, and even harm to wildlife. For more information on the dangers of illegal dumping, check out our article on its consequences. https://tgedfoundation.org/blog/plastic-waste-understanding-the-menace/

4. Reduce Waste Generation

The “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” approach is a fantastic way to minimize your environmental footprint. Start by noticing how much waste you generate on a daily basis and think about how you can reduce it. For instance, can you choose products with less packaging or avoid plastic when possible? Even small changes, like reducing the number of single-use items, can have a huge impact.

5. Reuse and Upcycle

Upcycling is a fun and creative way to give new life to old materials. Reuse empty bottles, cans, and containers for storage or creative projects. You can also turn cardboard into useful items like planters, covers, or decorative crafts. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a simple way to reduce waste while being resourceful!

6. Stop Littering

Littering is not only harmful to the environment but also poses significant risks to public health. Discarded waste can release dangerous chemicals into the soil and water, causing long-term damage. Plus, people may get hurt navigating around scattered trash, especially if there are broken glass or sharp objects. Keep your environment clean and safe by disposing of waste properly.

7. Educate and Advocate for Better Waste Management

One of the most powerful tools we have is the ability to educate others. Whether it’s sharing knowledge with friends, family, or through social media, spreading awareness about waste management helps drive collective action. Push for standardized waste management practices in your community and advocate for regular waste collection to discourage illegal dumping and burning.

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Did you know that Nigeria faces one of the world’s worst waste management challenges? From composting and recycling to reducing waste and avoiding littering, even the smallest actions can lead to significant change.

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Learn How To:
✅ Effectively Organize Your Waste
✅ Avoid Harmful Practices Like Illegal Dumping
✅ Help Stop Littering and Protect the Environment
✅ Advocate for Better Waste Management

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Together, we can create a cleaner, healthier Nigeria. Learn more about how you can contribute to a sustainable future!

Written by Ira Kirve
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