Waste Advisers have emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of waste management initiatives in Blantyre City.
Currently, the organisation is working closely with secondary schools and previously partnered with Blantyre City Council to install waste separation bins in markets and on city streets to promote waste segregation and recycling.
Through the European Union (EU) Building Better Project, Waste Advisers is engaging stakeholders to develop a Malawi Circular Economy Network aimed at tackling waste management issues.
“We are working with the education sector to build citizens who will be ambassadors of waste management,” said Khumbo Butao, Project Officer for Waste Advisers.
“Our goal is to increase organic and inorganic recycling rates, strengthen the role of informal waste pickers and support local enterprises that upcycle waste to reduce the volume of waste going to landfills.”
Butao said the multiple benefits of effective waste management, including reduced environmental pollution, improved public health, job creation in the recycling sector and contribution to the economy.
“Waste management is a community responsibility and everyone has a role to play. By working together, Blantyre can become a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable city for future generations,” he added.
However, he pointed out several ongoing challenges including lack of public awareness, vandalism of infrastructure, and limited facilities for waste segregation and recycling.
To address these issues, Waste Advisers is implementing pilot projects focused on infrastructure development, pushing for policy support and leading continuous community clean-up campaigns.
Environmental activist Charles Mkoka also urged for increased promotion of circular economy practices.
He said: “We need to encourage community clean-up initiatives and waste sorting at household level.
“We have to increase the number of designated waste collection points and improve regular garbage collection by establishing more recycling and composting centres.”
So far, Waste Advisers has supported the production of items such as school desks and compost from waste, proving that innovative recycling solutions can drive both environmental and social impact.
