Kilifi opens plastic waste collection centre in Malindi

Conservationists in Kilifi have opened a plastic waste collection centre in Malindi.

The move is aimed at promoting the circular economy and increase awareness on waste management by turning trash into cash.

The new collection point is the second one to be opened by Eco World at the Coast. The other collection centre is in Watamu.

The centre was opened by Kilifi environment chief officer Zamzam Ali.

Eco World general manager Steve Trot said they are working with women and those in the informal sector to add value to plastic waste.

He said they offer financial incentives for people to collect plastics on the streets and beaches.

“So, what we are doing here in Malindi and Watamu can be replicated in other counties. We are looking for partners and we are focusing on the Coast region,” Trot said.

He said the plastic waste value chain creates income streams and livelihoods and gives waste collectors income.

Trot said they are targeting 20 tonnes of plastic waste a month from Malindi MRF, which will then be recycled.

“We are targeting Malindi, Watamu and Mtwapa towns. Our target for 2024 is 50 tonnes of plastic waste per month,” he said.

Zamzam said the collaboration shows goodwill for a multi-sectoral approach to plastic waste management.

“Plastic waste has been and is still a major concern and challenge in Kilifi. There is no doubt it has impacted negatively on marine life. Watamu is a breeding ground for the endangered turtles and is greatly affected by these plastic wastes,” she said.

WWF-Kenya extended producer Responsibility project officer Henry Masai said people should collect, recycle and attach value to plastics instead of leaving them to lie on beaches and towns.

He said the recycling rate in the country is very low as the plastic recycled is less than 10 per cent of the plastic produced.

Malindi municipal manager Johnson Mwabati urged Eco World to increase the collection centres to four.