Tackling Rubbish: Different Approaches From Around the World
Originally published in our second print issue, as part of our exploration of waste management issues, Danny Macpherson explores the different ways neighbourhoods across the world are tackling rubbish.
By Danny Macpherson
Mismanaged waste and litter pose a major global health threat, made worse by the explosion in plastic pollution. But there is cause for hope. Initiatives from communities and organisations throughout the world point the way to a cleaner future.
A Community-Led Approach in Karachi
Located on the Indian ocean, Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city with a population of over 15 million. Many of its poorer citizens live in one of more than 700 katchi abadis – informal settlements. Karachi lacks a centralised approach to waste disposal and treatment, with different bodies responsible for each area. Affluent areas tend to receive the best service, while poorer districts whose residents don’t pay taxes are often neglected.
Nearly half the population live in settlements such as Shar Rasool colony in the south of the city. Home to around 3000 people, it has developed with little regard for infrastructure and amenities. Burning waste pollutes the air. There are pest infestations and a high incidence of illness.
The local population wanted change and, with the help of NGOs, devised a community-led approach. Local volunteers raise community awareness of the importance of waste management and its impact on daily life and wellbeing. A team of female volunteers take care of the day-to-day business of waste management – household refuse collection, hiring street sweepers and liaison with the municipality to ensure secure disposal of waste. The successful scheme has been replicated in many settlements in Karachi.
Recycling Plastic Waste in Kinshasa
More than 12 million people live in the DRC’s capital, the third largest urban area in Africa, which has gone from being known as Kin La Belle (Kin the beautiful) to Kin La Poubelle (Kin the bin). Infrastructure and services for waste collection and treatment are lacking. Waste accumulates on the streets, polluting rivers and clogging sewers.
The UN-Habitat project predicts that by 2075 Kinshasa will be the largest city in the world. For the DRC to meet its Sustainable Development Goals, it must get to grips with Kinshasa’s waste problem.
Since an EU-funded project ended in 2015, private organisations and individuals have had to deal with over 7000 tonnes of the city’s daily waste. Newly-formed NGOs such as Recovad are teaching residents the value of a circular economy. Recovad pays residents to collect plastic waste, then uses it as raw material to manufacture supplies for the construction industry.
As 90 percent of the population lives below the poverty line, waste collection can prove a valuable source of income. Schemes like this allow some of the city’s poorest residents to improve their quality of life while improving the urban environment. Similar schemes, like Wecyclers in Lagos, Nigeria, are found in other large African cities.
Waste Watching in Vienna
While many communities and NGOs are left to tackle waste problems, some city authorities have been pro-active.
In 2006 over 160,000 citizens of Vienna signed a petition railing against rising litter problems. The city council’s response was the introduction of Waste Watchers.
Fifty full-time Waste Watchers patrol the streets, with authority to ask for identification and issue on-the-spot fines for littering, ranging from 50 euros for minor offences like discarding a cigarette butt, or up to 2000 euros for fly tipping.
The initiative is popular, with 85 percent of residents reporting a positive view; the desire to live in a clean city clearly outweighs the fear of being punished. Public involvement is encouraged – citizens can use a hotline or app to report litter problems – and the service has been measurably successful. To give just one figure, in 2007, 2100 fridges were disposed of illegally. In 2018 that number was just 850; a reduction of 60 percent.
‘Feed Me’ Bins in Berlin
While the threat of punishment can be effective, it isn’t the only way of influencing behaviour. The Berlin Waste Management service uses humour, its website proclaiming that taking care of the environment can be good fun. Colourful orange bins throughout the city are embossed with funny slogans, jokes and puns, such as: “By using this bin, you agree to our data protection policy” or “Feed me!” – with some referencing local landmarks or events.
Pursuing Zero-Waste in Kamikatsu
The most effective way to reduce litter is to avoid producing waste in the first place. The zero-waste movement has gathered momentum worldwide, with great success in the Japanese town of Kamikatsu.
In 2000, Kamikatsu had to shut its two incinerators due to new emissions regulations. As an alternative, the community sought to reduce and recycle as much as possible. In 2003, it became the first town in Japan to make a zero-waste pledge.
Residents have to separate household waste into 45 categories before taking it to a recycling centre where volunteers ensure that everything lands in the right bin. Household items in good condition go to a recycling store, where items are exchanged free of charge.
The town currently recycles over 80 percent of its waste. The national average in Japan is 20 percent.