Urban Waste Management

As Kenya continues to experience rapid urban growth and economic expansion, the pressure on environmental systems—particularly waste management—has never been greater. At the same time, businesses are facing increasing expectations from regulators, investors, and customers to operate responsibly and sustainably. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is no longer a global concept reserved for large multinationals. It is now a practical and necessary framework for businesses operating in Kenya . At Trash Handlers Limited, we have observed a clear shift: organizations are moving from informal waste disposal practices toward structured, accountable, and sustainability-driven systems . This transition is not only driven by environmental concerns, but also by evolving regulations and the need for operational efficiency.                                          ...

  Waste Is Not the Problem—At Trash Handlers Limited, We Are Rethinking How It’s Managed. By Joining KEPRO’s Circular Economy Accelerator Programme, We’re Learning, Growing, and Improving Our Systems. This Is How We Turn Waste into Opportunity and Build a Circular Future for Kenya. At Trash Handlers Limited, we’ve always believed one simple thing: Waste is not the problem. How we handle it is. For years, waste management has been treated as an afterthought—a service to simply “take things away.” But working on the ground, across businesses, estates, and communities, we’ve seen a different reality. Waste is not just something to dispose of. It is something to understand. Something to manage better. And ultimately, something to transform. Recently, we found ourselves in a space that reinforced exactly that. We had the opportunity to attend a session hosted by the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization as part of the Circular Economy Accelerator Programme – Coho...

Did You Know? Did you know the world generates over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year? According to the United Nations Environment Programme, global waste generation is expected to increase significantly by 2050 as urban populations continue to grow. Even more concerning is the fact that only about 16% of global waste is recycled, while a large portion ends up in landfills or the environment. Plastic waste is particularly alarming. Research from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development shows that only about 9% of all plastic ever produced has been recycled. These statistics highlight a critical reality: recycling is no longer just an environmental option — it is a necessity for sustainable development. As the world prepares to mark Global Recycling Day on March 18, the conversation around responsible waste management is becoming increasingly important for countries like Kenya, especially in fast-growing urban areas such as Nairobi and Kiambu County....

Drainage, Waste, and Flooding: What Every Nairobi Resident Should Know In recent years, flooding has become an increasingly common problem in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya during the rainy season. Heavy rainfall quickly turns streets into rivers, disrupts transport, damages businesses, and exposes communities to health risks. While intense rainfall is a natural factor, environmental experts and city authorities point to another major cause: poor waste management and blocked drainage systems . At Trash Handlers , we believe that awareness and responsible waste practices can play a major role in reducing flooding and protecting our communities. This article explains: Why flooding happens in Nairobi How waste contributes to blocked drainage The risks this creates for residents and businesses Practical steps everyone can take to reduce the problem Why Flooding Is Increasing in Nairobi Urban flooding occurs when rainfall overwhelms drainage systems. According to ...

  Waste management is an essential service for homes, businesses, apartments, restaurants, offices, and institutions across Kenya. With increasing urbanization in cities like Nairobi , choosing a reliable waste collection partner is more important than ever. Improper waste disposal can lead to environmental pollution, health risks, unpleasant odors, pest infestations, and even legal penalties. In Kenya, waste management is regulated by organizations such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and local county governments. This means waste collection companies must meet specific environmental and operational standards. So how do you choose the right waste collection company for your home or business? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. 1. Check if the Company is Licensed and Compliant The first and most important factor when choosing a waste collector is legal compliance . In Kenya, waste management companies must be: Registere...

  Kenya’s Growing Waste Crisis and the Urgent Need for Change Kenya is generating more waste today than at any point in its history. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and increased consumption have significantly increased the volume of waste produced in cities such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, and Kisumu. National estimates show that Kenya generates approximately 22,000 tonnes of waste every day, equivalent to nearly 8 million tonnes annually, yet less than 10% of that waste is recycled. In Nairobi alone, about 2,400 tonnes of solid waste are produced daily, placing immense pressure on waste collection systems, disposal sites, and the environment. A major reason why recycling rates remain low is simple: most waste is not segregated at the source. Instead, food waste, plastics, paper, glass, and other materials are mixed together, making recovery and recycling difficult or impossible. Waste segregation—the practice of separating waste into categories at the point of generation—...