Rethinking Waste: How the Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative is Shaping a Sustainable Future
Waste management is a growing concern in Bamenda, where 60–70% of municipal waste is organic. Without proper systems in place, much of this waste ends up in open dumps or is burned, contributing to pollution and public health risks. To address this challenge, the Bamenda Zero Waste Initiative (BAM-ZWI) Workshop was organized on March 15, 2025, at the Admiralty Hotel, Up-Station Bamenda, bringing together 50 participants, including youth, women, waste pickers, and local stakeholders.
This workshop, a flagship initiative of ISEC Cameroon’s Green Earth Initiative, was designed to empower communities with sustainable waste management strategies. With a diverse lineup of expert speakers, engaging discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, participants explored how to turn waste into resources, foster environmental justice, and build a circular economy in Bamenda.
Creating a Community of Change-makers
The workshop opened with a warm welcome from Project Director Mr. Harrison Ashangwa, who emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration. Participants were introduced to the vision and mission of ISEC Cameroon, a global environmental network active in 32 countries. The call to action was clear: each community must take ownership of its waste management through collective effort and engagement.
Attendees included students and graduates from diverse fields—chemical engineering, food science, biotechnology, geoscience, and urban planning—along with professionals such as academic doctors, environmentalists, government officials, and local waste management experts. This diversity enriched the discussions, providing multiple perspectives on the city’s waste management challenges and opportunities.
Key Highlights from the Workshop
1. Understanding Zero Waste and the Circular Economy
Mr. Nsangou Rudolf, a climate educator and Environmental Advocate, introduced participants to the Zero Waste and Circular Economy Model. He emphasized that waste is not just an environmental problem but also an economic and social issue.
Through the 5Rs of Zero Waste (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot), he encouraged participants to see waste as a resource rather than a burden. He shared examples of how adopting circular economy behaviors can help Bamenda reduce waste, regenerate nature, and create sustainable jobs.
2. Sustainable Waste Management Strategies for Cities
Dr. Agbor Ebai, the Divisional delegate of environment, nature protection and sustainable development for Bui division and a waste management expert, provided an in-depth analysis of waste classification, sustainable waste management, and best practices from other African cities.
He highlighted:
Mr. Green Africa’s plastic recycling model in Nairobi, where collected waste is repurposed into reusable materials.
Keekonyokie Slaughterhouse’s biogas plant in Kenya, which transforms animal waste into biogas for cooking and electricity while producing biofertilizer for farmers.
His session underscored the importance of green waste management solutions that do not harm the environment or public health, offering valuable lessons for Bamenda.
3. Environmental Justice and Community Engagement
Mr. Harrison Ashangwa led a session on Environmental Justice and Community Engagement, addressing the need for inclusive waste management policies that prioritize marginalized communities, including waste pickers and low-income households.
Participants engaged in group discussions to propose community-driven solutions, emphasizing the role of government, business owners, and citizens in shaping sustainable waste policies.
4. Harnessing Organic Waste for Biogas Production and Composting
Organic waste accounts for the majority of Bamenda’s municipal waste. Engr. Tafomba Shalom presented biogas production as an innovative solution, showcasing how households and businesses can convert food waste into clean energy.
In her hands-on demonstration, participants learned how to:
Collect and pre-treat organic waste.
Capture and store biogas.
Use biogas for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.
She highlighted that biogas technology not only reduces waste but also improves indoor air quality by replacing traditional wood and charcoal fuel.
5. Plastic Waste Management and Urban Garden Innovations
Mitin Sandrine Yaah, an environmental engineer, discussed plastic waste reuse in sustainable urban farming. She demonstrated how:
Plastic bottles and containers can be upcycled for vertical gardening.
Repurposing plastic waste can reduce environmental pollution while promoting urban agriculture.
Her session encouraged participants to think creatively about waste as a resource for food production and environmental conservation.
6. Building a Local Circular Economy in Bamenda
Dr. John Paul Tume, from the University of Bamenda, concluded the sessions with insights into waste valorization transforming waste into economically valuable products.
He highlighted examples from local businesses producing:
Aluminum pots from scrap metal.
Charcoal pots made from compressed organic waste.
His session reinforced the idea that waste management is not just an environmental concern but also an economic opportunity, encouraging entrepreneurship in the waste sector.
A Collective Commitment to a Zero-Waste Future
As the workshop came to a close, participants reflected on the key takeaways and made commitments to implement sustainable waste management practices in their daily lives and communities. Mr. Harrison Ashangwa gave a final call to action, urging attendees to:
✅ Advocate for waste management policies that support zero-waste strategies.
✅ Educate their communities on the importance of waste segregation and composting.
✅ Engage in citizen-led initiatives to promote recycling and circular economy solutions.
The workshop ended with the awarding of certificates of participation, group photos, and an energized commitment to rethinking waste, embracing sustainability, and making Bamenda a model city for zero waste.
Looking Ahead: The Future of BAM-ZWI
The success of this workshop is just the beginning. BAM-ZWI is committed to sustaining the momentum through:
Follow-up training sessions to support participants in implementing waste management projects.
Collaboration with local councils and businesses to promote circular economy models.
Community awareness campaigns to educate the broader public on zero-waste strategies.
By equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to rethink waste, BAM-ZWI is fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, civic engagement, and economic innovation.
🌍 Join us in making Bamenda a cleaner, greener city!
Comments