If you look into the gutter a filthy sight awaits you: nylon water sachets, empty plastic bottles and other waste materials discarded by humans, swept there by rain, gathering up the drain.
This is not only a Nigerian problem, it is a global challenge. Some individuals have gone as far as taking waste straight from the dump turning it to a means of making money. How? Following a recent interview with a plastic collection site owner, conducted by some members of TRCC, the interviewee stated that with neither experience nor capital, he started this business. Learning on the Job, he faced challenges like going to dump sites to hand pick plastic disposed wastes, collecting and organising them on his own, but that did not deter nor discourage him as he was determined to persist till he succeeds. Although his initial reason for going into this business was "hunger" and the need for survival, today he feels delighted to contribute to the betterment of our environment by tackling the mannace of indiscriminate dumping of plastic wastes. He, through this business has created Job opportunities for many as he can boast of owning over six dump sites in Akwa Ibom state alone.
Although, he gained his knowledge from his great losses, he is now able to train many people on the business on how to measure, calculate, buy, sale, etc from his experience. He went on to say that these compressed plastics are sold to recycling companies which recycle them to produce other valuable items like clothings (e.g jean, polo) and other materials, out of it. Furthermore , he pointed that the business is open to investors and partners. Finally, he encouraged that the business is a very stressful one but it is also very lucrative and satisfying and anyone who desires to go into it will 'never regret'. After learning this, what will you do with your plastic wastes? Will you still dispose it off?