In the bid to curb improper waste disposal within communities, Universal Plastic Products and Recycling (UPPR) Ghana Limited in collaboration with Ecobank Ghana Limited and Environment Services Providers Association (ESPA) have launched the “One Million Waste Bin Project” (1MB).

This project which was launched in Accra on Tuesday by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation seeks to supply One million litter bins to households and businesses across the country.

The Ecobank waste collection Platform was also launched to simplify the payment for waste services provided through Mobile Cash Code *887*87#.

Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana, Dan Sackey in his speech said the bank’s commitment to the environment and its partnership in the Project was to help create mass awareness about environmental Cleanliness among the populace and encourage the use of waste bins across the country.

He noted that proper segregation of waste was equally important to enable easy recycling of both organic and plastic waste generated.

Mr Sackey revealed the bank had committed over US$10 million to support the production of the waste bins.

“We are doing this in the hope that the bins distributed will go a long way to promote environmental best practices, good health and general wellbeing,” he said.

“We look forward to this partnership to provide a variety of payment solutions to the numerous patrons of the waste management service providers and to propel the country towards the cash lite economy status while keeping the environment clean,” Mr Sackey added.

ESPA President, Dr Joseph Siaw Agyapong attributed the art of indiscriminate littering to lack of dustbins at vantage points in communities and was hopeful that the introduction of 1MB will solve the menace.

He said the initiative when enforced by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and would create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The waste bins produced in Ghana by UPPR are fitted with Radio Frequency Identity (RFID) tags to enable waste management companies to closely monitor and effectively oversee how often the bins are emptied.

The free waste bins can be accessed from all Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies or Service Providers by paying a token for registration for collection as scheduled with the customers service providers.

One would be required to provide information, including name, contact number, House Number or digital address to complete registration.