Zoomlion Ghana Limited, would begin a new waste separation programme for government institutions especially the ministries and some public schools in Accra.

Under the programme, three types of waste bins would be given to each institution within the ministries and the selected schools in Accra. One of the bins would contain paper, another plastics and the last one food waste.

Dr Joseph Agyepong Siaw, Executive Chairman of the Zoomlion Group of Companies whose speech was read on his behalf at the launch of the National Source Waste Segregation Programme, expressed dissatisfaction about the indiscriminate disposal of waste without knowledge of separation.

The Programme is an initiative of Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and waste management experts- Zoomlion.

Dr Agyepong Siaw explained that the source waste segregation or separation is an educational and attitudinal issue, which should have been part of the culture and practice of the people both at homes and in public places.

“It is however sad and unfortunate that in most homes, offices and in public places waste is treated as something that needs to be dumped anyhow,” he said.

He noted that the production of waste is inevitable in any country in the world, however segregating and recycling waste appropriately could prevent potential health hazards as well as keep the environment clean.

Dr Agyepong Siaw announced that Zoomlion has built a lot of landfill sites in Accra and is currently building transfer stations across the country for effective waste segregation and transportation.

Dr Joe Oteng Adjei, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation whose speech was read on his behalf stated that waste segregation is an efficient and environmentally sustainable way of managing waste in the country.

He noted that the process would help reduce the amount of waste to be transported to land filled sites as well as provide additional value from secondary raw materials, which could be recycled into useful products to support economic development.

He said waste segregation should be encouraged and promoted in hospitals, schools, government offices and even homes.

Dr Adjei said Ghanaians should understand that waste is a resource which should be handled properly to generate wealth.

Mr Daniel Amlalo, Executive Director of EPA said waste management and practices such as landfill disposal and incineration have failed to provide opportunities for the complete reuse and recycling of solid waste.

He said the Agency is committed to the waste segregation project for recycling and organic manure production for agriculture and landscaping.