The Federal Government of Nigeria, through its Ministry of Environment has introduced the use of reverse vending machine technology to help manage plastic waste.
Minister of Environment Mallam Balarabe Lawal, during the unveiling of the machine at the National Assembly Complex Wednesday said the plastic waste reverse vending machine will promote a cleaner environment and economic opportunity for job creation.
The minister said the reverse vending machine was not just a tool, but a symbol of the nation’s unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Nigeria.
“This simple, yet powerful technology encourages proper waste disposal and creates a culture of recycling, where each citizen can actively participate in protecting our environment.
“Beyond its environmental impact, this machine promotes the concept of circular economy. Instead of plastic ending up in landfills or polluting the oceans, it re-enters the production cycle, reducing the demand for new resources and minimizing our ecological footprint,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mahmoud Adam Kambari, said the initiative falls under the project of promoting sustainable plastic value chains through circular economy practices, being implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with UNIDO, funded by the government of Japan.
“These innovative machines will incentivise proper plastic waste disposal by rewarding citizens for returning recyclable plastic bottles and containers. This not only encourages responsible waste management but also contributes to the collection of valuable plastic waste for recycling, thereby reducing environmental pollution and creating sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
