Experts Call for Fresh Laws to Boost Plastic Waste Recycling

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The leading environmental experts have called upon the Nigerian government to come up with additional stricter laws that could provide further boost to plastic recycling in the country.

Addressing the Forum on ‘Investing in Plastic Recovery Towards A Circular Economy’ in Lagos, Mrs Aderonke Odeneye, the board chairperson of Lagos State Waste Forum noted that government regulatory agencies are required to ensure concerted efforts to prevent littering of the environment by plastic materials. The consumption of fish and birds that are fed on liquid plastics poses serious health risks to individuals, including cancer, Odeneye noted.

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The other participants of the panel discussion highlighted the health risks posed by clothes and other fabrics manufactured using plastic by-products. The cosmetics that are by-products of plastics also poses risks, they noted.

The collection of plastics could see significant increase, if the government comes up with ample monetary rewards for plastic waste pickers. The children should be educated on the need to protect the environment by following good practices at homes and schools. Additionally, there must be more investment in infrastructure facilities for plastics collection and recycling.