Waste management refers to the various schemes to manage and dispose of different waste streams. It can be by discarding, destroying, processing, recycling, reusing, or controlling wastes. The prime objective of waste management is to reduce the amount of unusable materials and to avert potential health and environmental hazards. Based on a report by Urban Africa, the amount of waste generated in Kenya per year is approximately 4 tones and this number is projected to double by 2030.
Boredo supplies ltd, an engineered waste management firm, plays a noble role in enhancing sustainability in waste management by employing innovative measures in managing different types of wastes. As a leading waste management company, Boredo supplies ltd has a well-established processes and technologies in place that enhance integrated waste management as well as adhering to guidelines of the circular economy and zero waste to landfill policy.
In line with waste management best practices Boredo supplies ltd has put in place various methods and techniques in reducing, recycling, reusing, and energy recovery in managing different waste streams. For instance, the company has a well-established and skilled workforce that is made up of trained sorters, loaders, machine operators, safety officers, and environmentalists among others.
Waste management process at Boredo Supplies Ltd
Waste collection
Various waste streams are collected from different clients by licensed Boredo Supplies ltd trucks. In this case, the company’s supervisors on site ensure that the waste is properly segregated at source before collection. Therefore, the segregated waste is then taken to Boredo waste storage site for further sorting.
Waste sorting
The collected waste is further sorted by a team of well-trained sorters who separate various waste streams and clearly label each waste category using waste tags. At this level, the sorting process is normally done under supervision to enhance proper adherence to safety measures as well as ensuring proper segregation. The aim is to minimize the amount of waste from businesses, local authorities and households that ends up in landfill and transform it into valuable resources.
Weighing
At this level the segregated waste is weighed to determine the weight of different waste streams in kgs i.e. recyclables and non-recyclables. The weight of each waste stream is usually indicated on the tracking document of each waste transportation truck. Additionally, all the waste PETS, cartons, sacks, and polythene are taken for balling process. On the other hand, plastic waste is taken to the crushing/shredding machine for further processing.
The balling process
The sorted waste PETS, cartons, and polythene is then balled using the balling machine installed at the company’s premises. In this case, balling presses are used to compress the material and minimize the volume, thus optimizing storage and transportation efficiency. Additionally, pressed bales can be wrapped to protect the material from environmental factors such as sunlight and water, as well as to avoid odors and leachate. The balled waste materials are then transported to recycling companies for recycle.
Crushing/shredding process
Waste plastic and wrappers are shredded using various shredders installed at the company premises. The process is also done under supervision from safety and environment team to ensure that health and safety guidelines are adhered to. Moreover, shredding enhances proper packaging and transportation. The shredded materials are then taken to the washing machine for the washing process.
The washing process
At this stage the crushed materials are then washed before they are packaged into bags for easier transportation. Also, waste water from the washing machine is normally reused to minimize water consumption.
Incineration process
All hazardous waste materials collected from various clients are taken for incineration at the company’s incineration facility located at EPZA, Kinanie, Athi River.
Organic waste management
Boredo Supplies ltd has put up several compost pits at its Kinanie site for organic waste management. In this case, a greater percentage of organic waste collected from various clients is stored in different compost pits to undergo decomposition. Furthermore, the decomposition process is enhanced by the application of various beneficial microorganisms thus ensuring that the organic waste is decomposed completely. Nonetheless, a smaller portion of non-recyclable waste is sometimes taken for safe disposal at licensed disposal sites.