The head of the zoomlion foundation, Mr. Thomas Narh Koley has urged student and educational leaders to rethink waste management by adopting an integrated approach that focus on resources recovery rather than simple disposal.

Speaking at the Schools and Colleges Sanitation Ambassador’s Youth Forum held at Adisadel College in Cape Coast, Mr. Thomas Koley emphasized that the traditional waste management practices are no longer sufficient to address environmental challenges.

Addressing attendees, Mr. Thomas Koley highlighted the role of education in driving lasting behavioral change.

He noted that no waste management system can succeed if public littering and indiscriminate dumping persist.

” Our goal should move from a collect and dispose mentality towards reducing, reusing, recovering, recycling and properly disposing of what remains”, Mr. Thomas stated.

He explained that zoomlion’s approach encompasses the entire lifecycle of waste transportation, sorting, composting, treatment and final disposal.

A central theme of Mr. Thomas Koley’s address was the concept of viewing waste as a valuable resource.

He introduced participant to the Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant [ IRECOP] Initiatives, pointing out that the Central Region facility located at Mankessim is fully operational.

Mr. Thomas Koley extended an open invitation to schools, teachers, and traditional leaders to organize students visits to the IRECOP facility.

He noted that observing practical waste recycling and composting firsthand would reinforce classroom lessons on environmental sustainability.

To encourage school participation, Mr. Thomas Koley announced that entry to the Mankessim plant remains free of charge for education visits, provided institutions write in advanced to schedule their visits .

He urged young sanitation ambassadors to lead waste segregation effort in their schools by separating organic materials ,recyclables and residual waste at the source.

by GLADYS ANIMWAA OTOO