In an effort to combat plastic pollution in the country, the government of Ethiopia is pushing to promote recycling. In this light, a crew made up of a few men acquire plastic bottles from collectors from the Awi zone of the Amhara region of Ethiopia to Addis Ababa and prep the items, by separating the bottles from their caps for recycling. 

This development will actively contribute to the end of plastic pollution in the country and also generate income for collectors. The city’s waste management is overseen by the Environment Protection Administration, which is dedicated to making Addis Ababa cleaner and greener.

Plastic waste, mostly plastic bags and bottles is a primary concern in the city, however, regulations are in place to control their production, sale, and import. City-appointed workers collect garbage in various parts of Addis Ababa and despite their efforts, garbage collection is complex due to various factors, such as residents not sorting and disposing of their garbage properly.

The Director of Climate Change and Renewable Energy Department, Addis Ababa Environmental Protection Administration, Seid Abdela remarked that “most of the plastic bottles are being properly recycled, but the issue with plastic bags persists. There are regulations in place regarding plastic bags like it is prohibited to produce, sell, or import plastic bags that are below the designated thickness specified by the rules”.

He further noted that these days, when plastic bags are imported, their thickness is inspected by the environmental protection authority, and if the thickness falls below the permitted limit, it will not be allowed for entry into the country. Also, local production of such plastic bags is prohibited, but some individuals attempt to do it covertly. when they are discovered, they face consequences”.

21-year-old Sebdana Workicho who buys used plastic materials said they are actively contributing to a cleaner environment and generating income opportunities for collectors. “We purchase the plastics they collect and then resell them, sorting them by color, for anyone who requires them”.

Waste management has long been a problem in Addis Ababa, the site of several foreign organizations as well as the African Union’s headquarters. The goal of this administration is to safeguard the environment in many ways while also making the city greener and cleaner.