Obiechina Omeje's post on Goodwall - WASTE MANAGEMENT: Germany's waste management system employs about 200,000 persons in nearly 3,000 companies and generates approximately 4 billion euros annually. Solid waste management is the most pressing environmental challenge faced by Nigeria. Nigeria generates more than 32 million tons of solid waste annually, out of which only 20-30% is collected. Reckless waste disposal results in: blockage of sewers and drainage networks; choking of water bodies which in turn lead to flood, threats to life on land and in water, adverse changes to climate and other hazards. An understudy of Germany's Closed Cycle Management Act — Germany has the best waste management system in the world and obtains 14% of it's raw materials from recovered waste — which assigns waste disposal responsibilities to manufacturers and distributors shows a 5-step prototype which can be adopted in Nigeria. 1. Waste Prevention – E.g. by reducing the quantity of materials used in products and by creating more durable products. 2. Preparing for Reuse – Repairing, reconditioning, remanufacturing waste products for reuse. 3. Recycling – Separate collection of various waste types and passing them through appropriate recycling machines. 4. Other Recovery – E.g. treating biodegradable waste in composting and digesting plants to obtain clean energy etc. 5. Disposal – of remnants of waste in landfills after pre-treatment. Proper waste management helps in the achievement of SDGs 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15. #ElevatorPitch #BetterTogetherAfrica