In the bustling heart of Addis Ababa, a pressing environmental concern is taking center stage. Plastic waste management in Bole sub-city, a rapidly growing area, is under scrutiny, with researchers calling for a paradigm shift towards sustainable practices. Gemechu Shale Ogato, from the School of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development at Ambo University, has published a study in *Discover Environment* (translated from Amharic as “Exploring Environment”) that sheds light on the current challenges and offers a roadmap for improvement.
The study reveals a stark reality: Bole sub-city is grappling with inadequate public toilets, insufficient dustbins, and a lack of vehicles to manage plastic waste effectively. “The irregular collection services and inadequate equipment used for waste collection are among the pressing challenges for sustainable plastic waste management in the study area,” Ogato notes. This situation not only poses a risk to human and animal health but also threatens the natural environment.
The research highlights that the current plastic waste management practices in Bole sub-city are not supported by modern technologies. This gap is a significant hurdle in achieving sustainable development goals for the solid waste management sector. Ogato emphasizes the need for support from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, private sectors, and government sectors. “Different stakeholders should support solid waste management micro enterprises with vehicles, protective clothing, health, and water services to promote a circular economy and sustainable management of plastic waste,” Ogato suggests.
The study also underscores the importance of recycling plastic bag waste and creating awareness through different media channels. The ongoing corridor development and green legacy initiatives in Addis Ababa and Bole sub-city are expected to reverse the undesirable environmental situation, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.
This research could shape future developments in the field by highlighting the need for technological advancements and stakeholder collaboration. As Ogato’s work published in *Discover Environment* illustrates, addressing plastic waste management is not just an environmental issue but also a commercial one, with significant implications for the energy sector and beyond. The call to action is clear: a concerted effort is needed to transform the current practices and achieve sustainable management of plastic waste in Bole sub-city and similar urban areas.