Making a Difference in the Community through Plastic Recycling

Misbahu identified that plastic waste has been a leading cause of flooding in most communities due to clogged drains because of the habitual dumping of waste into gutters and water bodies.

“Mismanagement of plastic waste disposal has been a great concern to the environment also because chocked gutters lead to stagnant water that serves as a breeding habitat for diseases causing organisms such as mosquitoes”

Burning of plastics has the potential to cause respiratory health conditions in humans and animals. More often than not, plastic debris threatens aquatic life as it transports harmful chemicals into water bodies. Continuous inhalation of burning plastics can constitute an array of health challenges including inflammation, asthma and other cardiovascular diseases. This is because plastics are made of hydrocarbons causing air pollution due to the production of chlorine and dioxins leading to global warming thus resulting in climate change.

Poor plastic waste management is on the increase especially as it is a reliable material used to package food and non-food items due to its affordability and convenience.

In his quest to make a difference in the life of the community and with support from the NBU project, Misbahu co-founded the I-Recycle business that recycles plastic waste for reproduction and onward sales.

 He recycles types of plastics such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), used for food, and drink packaging and High Density Polyethylene (HDP); used for recycling bins, agriculture pipe, grocery bags and shampoo bottles among others.

Misbahu has created employment opportunities for other community members who collect plastic waste from homes and vantage points.

“The agents receive plastic waste from some homes and pay them. This has been beneficial to the growth of the business”

Misbahu is a member of the NBU Alumni who trains other vulnerable young people within their various communities. He has a Certificate in Environmental Studies and Geography in Rural Development as well as a Master's degree in Environmental Science from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

“The NBU project has played a critical role in my success story because the project supported me with several lessons on this job including financial techniques. Currently, I have 20 workers and other sites are being worked on at the moment”

He has agents who buy from him for the production of pure water bags, plastic bottles or bowls. This is a profitable business as he has employed more than 20 people and his overall profit margin monthly is 25% liable to the level of business undertaken each month.

 “I have plans of training more vulnerable young people hence there are plans underway to expand this business so that together, we the direct beneficiaries of the NBU project can carry on with the mission and vision of the project. We have already started sensitization in schools on the usage and proper disposal of plastics and this will be extended to other communities”

Beneficiaries like Misbahu are determined to keep the NBU dream alive, the impact of the NBU project, and how it will continually influence the lives of vulnerable young people in the Asokore Mampong Municipality.