Reducing plastic waste and pollution in Edo communities: SEDI holds one day training on Composting Techniques for Waste Pickers

A training program aimed at empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to implement composting in their daily waste management practices has been held in Ekiadolor community dumpsite, near Benin City, Edo State. 

The training which brought together nine waste pickers in the community, was conveyed by the Sustainable Environment and Development Initiative (SEDI). 

Welcoming the participants, the program coordinator, Dr. Tom Aneni, emphasized the importance of composting in waste management. He reiterated that the workshop was designed not only to provide theoretical knowledge but also to offer practical, hands-on experience to participants. He said the goal was to equip waste pickers with the necessary skills needed to manage organic waste and integrate composting techniques into their daily practices. He also expressed gratitude to the participants for their commitment to improving the local waste management system which in turn fosters a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Dr. Tom Aneni (1st from left), addressing the waste pickers

According to Dr. Aneni, "the primary objectives of the composting training were to introduce composting as a sustainable waste management technique to the waste pickers at the Ekiadalor dumpsite; to demonstrate the process of sorting organic from inorganic waste and highlighting its practical applications; and to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety while handling waste materials and composting.

"Composting is a natural biological process where microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down organic materials, turning them into nutrient-rich compost that can be used as a soil amendment. 

"The process recycles organic waste, reduces landfill waste, and improves soil health, making it an essential practice for sustainable waste management. By converting waste into valuable organic material, composting supports the principles of a circular economy, where waste is minimized and materials are reused rather than discarded. 

"The benefits of composting extend beyond waste reduction; it enhances soil fertility, conserves water, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, contributing to healthier ecosystems. 

"Composting is also critical for mitigating environmental pollution, as it provides an eco-friendly alternative to other waste disposal methods, such as incineration and landfill dumping", he posited.

In a technical session, Dr. Aneni introduced the critical components of a successful composting system, including the balance between nitrogen-rich "greens" and carbon-rich "browns," the importance of moisture and aeration, and the need for proper temperature control during the decomposition process. He further discussed how composting reduces environmental pollution, conserves resources, and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices. He stressed the importance of waste pickers in the composting process and encouraged participants to integrate composting into their daily routines to minimize waste and improve environmental sustainability.

A facilitator- Mr. Enoch handled a practical demonstration session involving sorting of  organic from inorganic waste. He walked the participants through the process of identifying suitable materials for composting, such as food scraps, yard waste, and agricultural byproducts, while explaining the importance of separating non-compostable items like plastics, metals, and glass. The waste pickers were actively involved in sorting through a pile of mixed waste, identifying and collecting the organic waste for composting. 

Mr Enoch addressing the waste pickers

Mr. Enoch also provided guidance on how to properly build compost piles, layering green and brown materials in the right proportions to create optimal conditions for microbial activity. He demonstrated the proper technique for aerating the compost pile and explained the importance of monitoring the temperature to ensure effective decomposition. The waste pickers were encouraged to use the organic waste bin provided during the session to begin the composting process at the Ekiadalor dumpsite, which would later be transported to the SEDI compost facility at Otofure.

SEDI later distributed essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the waste pickers to ensure their safety while sorting and handling waste materials. This gesture acknowledged the critical role of waste pickers in waste management and the need to safeguard their health while working in potentially hazardous conditions. The PPE provided included: Hand gloves, Nose masks, Boots, and Reflective jackets.

SEDI later presented a compost drum to the waste pickers. The compost drum is a vital tool for sorting and collecting organic waste on-site. This compost drum is intended to help participants separate organic waste, which will later be transported to the SEDI compost facility at Otofure for further processing. The provision of the compost drum, along with PPE, emphasized the importance of supporting waste pickers with the necessary tools to manage waste effectively and safely.

The Compost Drum presented to the waste pickers by SEDI 

The following recommendations were proffered: Continuous training, community engagement, incentivizing participation, regulatory compliance.