Green Waste Recycling
The Problem
Green waste refers to natural residue that results from plant-based food-related activities, gardening and landscaping such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, plant trimmings, fruit and vegetable scraps.
While waste management capacity remains very limited, rapid urbanization is increasing generation of green waste around Nairobi and surrounding counties.
According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Nairobi generates between 2,000 to 2,500 tons of waste daily, of which 80% is organic and 20% is in plastic form.
Of the waste generated by the city, only 45% is recycled, reused or transformed into a form which can yield an economic or environmental benefit. This is very far from the 80% target set by the NEMA.
The bulk of the waste, ends up in landfills or is burnt, leading to environmental pollution and the release of green houses gases, which contribute to climate change.
Beyond being a health and environmental hazard, wasted organic matter means that the resources that went into its creation (such as water, fertilizer, energy and land) also go to waste.
The Opportunity
It is projected that by 2050, more than 50% of the Kenyan population will be living in urban areas. Rapid urbanization presents challenges for waste management but it also presents opportunities. Instead of discarding this valuable resource, green waste can be recycled and repurposed in various eco-friendly ways. Recycling green waste into products such as compost and mulch creates economic opportunities while promoting sustainability.
Our Solution
Ecomulch Solutions currently works with food vendors in and around Nairobi to separate and collect residues from sugarcane and tender coconut husks which are commonly sold within the city and it’s environs.
The market for cut-sugarcane pieces as a snack and for coconut water has been on the rise in the past few years partly because they are readily accessible snack choices which provide healthy calories at a affordable price.
As demand for sugarcane and coconut water has increased, so has the waste from sugarcane peels and tender coconut husks.
Ecomulch Solutions collects and processes sugarcane peels and tender coconut husks into mulch, a vital element for conserving water and regenerating soil health.