Young Collectors Tackle Arua’s Plastic Scourge, Turning Waste into Livelihoods
In the bustling city of Arua, a silent battle against pollution is being waged daily, not just by municipal workers, but by young individuals like 13-year-old Samson Anguyo. Armed with sacks and an unwavering determination, Anguyo and his peers are transforming plastic waste from a city-wide menace into a source of income, while simultaneously beautifying their surroundings.
Anguyo’s day begins as early as 7 AM. His primary hunting grounds are the city’s entertainment spots, where the remnants of the previous night’s revelry often include discarded plastic bottles and containers. He meticulously gathers these items, filling his sacks for a trip to a local selling point. This daily routine, which often extends until 8 PM, is more than just a way to earn money; it’s a vital contribution to curbing the pervasive issue of plastic pollution that plagues Arua, a challenge mirrored in many cities across the nation.
The city grapples with improper plastic waste disposal, leading to unsightly litter strewn across streets, choking drainage channels, and even accumulating in residential areas. From discarded bottles and jerry cans to buckets and water containers, the evidence of this struggle is omnipresent. These plastics, generated by factories and used for packaging a vast array of products, pose a significant environmental and health threat when not managed correctly.
Ms. Jolly Lenia, a resident of Tanganyika Ward, highlights the paradox of plastic: “Plastic is everywhere because it is useful. It is light, cheap, and durable. But that durability is also the problem. People do not know how to dispose of them.” This sentiment is echoed by Ms. Salima Salma from Oli B Cell, who describes the devastating impact of plastic waste on drainage systems: “Whenever it rains, you find these plastics are swept by water from the upper areas to our lower side. They get stuck here. We do not know what to do with them.” She emphasizes the proactive role of community clean-ups in preventing floods and the associated loss of life and property, noting that even burning plastic is a hazardous alternative.
The Wider Impact of Plastic Pollution
Beyond the aesthetic blight and the risk of flooding, plastic waste carries serious health implications for both humans and animals. Discarded containers can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, exacerbating the spread of vector-borne diseases in affected regions. Animals, particularly strays, often ingest plastic fragments while scavenging, leading to severe internal injuries and often death. Birds are also vulnerable, frequently becoming entangled in plastic rings and discarded packaging. The efforts of plastic collectors and municipal workers are therefore crucial in protecting urban wildlife from these dangers.
Recognizing the severity of the problem, Arua City authorities have installed garbage bins throughout the city to encourage proper disposal. However, uptake has been low. Mr. Lawrence Alionzi, the mayor-elect of Arua City, has pledged to prioritize a clean and safe environment. “We need to clean the town, the trenches, and manage waste properly so that people live in a better environment. This will be a priority once the budgets are well laid out and machinery is put in place,” he stated. Similar concerns are prevalent in other districts of the West Nile Sub-region, with residents in Terego District noting how discarded sachets and bottles clog drains, escalating flood risks.
A Growing Recycling Ecosystem
The responsibility for managing this escalating crisis has largely fallen on the shoulders of conscientious citizens and emerging recycling initiatives. Companies like Ewuata Composite, a garbage collection centre in Arua City, are stepping in to address the challenge. Mr. Godfrey Onyuthfua, the site manager, reports receiving an astounding 50 tonnes of garbage daily, amounting to 200 tonnes per month, which represents 30 to 40 percent of the city’s total waste.
“We make sure that the garbage is well managed to protect the environment,” Onyuthfua explains, detailing their meticulous process of controlling temperature and moisture content. At their facility, waste is segregated, with non-decomposable materials directed to recycling plants. He stresses the environmental and health hazards of poorly managed waste, including the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change. Ewuata Composite also actively discourages the open burning of plastics, which emits harmful carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Policy and Innovation in Waste Management
Environmentalists are calling for a comprehensive review of policies governing plastic production, distribution, and disposal. Mr. William Amanzuru, an environmentalist from Adjumani District, advocates for stringent policies to regulate the industry. “There should be a policy on plastic production, distribution and disposal,” he urges, suggesting a shift towards degradable plastics and tax regulations on disposal. He also proposes the utilization of local, sustainable materials like palm trees as alternatives to plastics.
The economic impact of plastic waste, while significant, also presents a unique opportunity. The recyclability of plastics transforms them into valuable raw materials for new products, thereby creating employment. This has empowered individuals like Anguyo and Ms. Chandiru, who now earn a livelihood by collecting and selling plastics. “I collect these plastics for sale. We have buyers from Arua City who come to buy from us. A kilo of plastic waste costs Shs500. In the past, these were not a form of income,” Ms. Chandiru shared.
National Strategies and Global Goals
On a national level, Uganda is actively implementing strategies to combat plastic pollution. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched the National Strategy for Promoting Plastics Circularity in Uganda (2023–2028), which champions a circular economy model focused on reuse, recycling, and sustainable alternatives. This strategy outlines clear objectives for reducing plastic waste, enhancing recycling systems, and raising public awareness, fostering collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities.
Professor James Okot-Okumu, Chairman of NEMA’s Board of Directors, highlighted the recent approval of a 10-Year Action Plan for Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources (2021–2031) as a crucial step towards holistic environmental restoration. He emphasized the importance of partnerships, such as the one between NEMA and the Uganda Manufacturers Association, to establish an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme, initially targeting the beverage industry.
Uganda’s commitment to environmental protection is further demonstrated through its alignment with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A study supported by UNEP revealed that Uganda produced approximately 12,330 tonnes of recycled polyethylene between 2018 and 2021, with projections indicating a potential 91 percent increase in production by 2025. NEMA’s analysis indicates that plastics constitute about 4 percent of Uganda’s total waste, with a concerning 42 percent not being properly disposed of, leading to environmental degradation.
As the sun sets on Arua, the efforts of these young collectors and environmental advocates leave a tangible impact – cleaner streets and a healthier environment. Their work serves as a powerful testament to the fact that collective action, even at an individual level, can pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.
