Learning objectives

• Understand what waste materials are and why safe handling is important.
• Identify common types of waste in workshops and schools.
• Learn simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.
• Know basic safety and Kenyan rules about managing waste.

What is waste? 🤔

Waste materials are unwanted things left after we use a product or make something in a workshop. Examples: off-cuts of wood, scrap metal, plastic bottles, used paint, oily rags, and food scraps.

Types of waste you will meet

• Organic: food scraps, garden waste – can rot or be composted.
• Recyclable: paper, cardboard, glass, many plastics, metals.
• General (non-hazardous): dust, non-recyclable packaging, small broken tools.
• Hazardous: paint, solvents, batteries, used oil, some chemicals and e-waste (phones, old electronics).

Why proper handling matters

• Protects people from injury and illness (cuts, poison, breathing fumes).
• Prevents pollution of rivers, soil and groundwater.
• Keeps the workshop and school clean and safe.
• Saves money and resources by reusing and recycling.

Simple rules for safe handling

1. Segregate waste: use separate bins for organic, recyclable, general and hazardous waste. (See colour suggestion below.)
2. Label & cover: label containers clearly; keep hazardous waste covered and upright to avoid spills.
3. Do not mix hazardous with other waste: mixing can create dangerous reactions or make recycling impossible.
4. Wear PPE: gloves, masks, goggles and closed shoes when handling dirty or hazardous waste.
5. Store safely: store hazardous waste in a cool, ventilated place away from children and water drains.
6. Use authorised disposal: take hazardous and electronic waste to licensed collectors or recycling centres.

Colour suggestion for bins (simple): Green = organic; Blue = recyclables; Black = general waste; Red = hazardous.

Handling specific wastes (short guide)

• Wood off-cuts: keep dry, reuse for small projects, or burn only where allowed and safe (avoid inside towns).
• Metal scraps: collect in a box and sell or take to a scrap dealer for recycling.
• Paper & cardboard: keep dry and bundle for recycling.
• Paints & solvents: keep in original containers, close lids, hand over to hazardous waste collector — never pour down the drain.
• Used oil: store in labelled, sealed containers and give to a recycler; do not pour on soil or drains.
• Batteries & e-waste: store separately and send to e-waste recyclers — they contain harmful metals.
• Food waste: compost at school or home if possible (turn regularly to avoid smell).

Kenyan context — rules and who is responsible

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) sets standards and guidelines for waste management in Kenya. County governments normally manage local waste collection and disposal. Schools and workshops must follow national laws (Environmental Management and Coordination Act and related regulations) and use authorised disposal routes for hazardous waste.

Tip: Ask your teacher or the school matron who the county contractor or local collection point is for hazardous or electronic waste.

Activities you can do in class

• Create a colour-coded bin station and practise sorting everyday items for one week.
• Build a simple compost bin from a 20-litre container and record how food waste breaks down.
• Invite a local recycler or county waste officer to talk about where waste goes.
• Collect scrap metal or plastic and calculate how much the class can recycle in a month.

Quick safety checklist

• Are bins clearly labelled and covered? ✅ / ❌
• Are hazardous wastes stored separately and labelled? ✅ / ❌
• Do you have gloves and masks available? ✅ / ❌
• Do you know where to take electronic and hazardous waste? ✅ / ❌

Short quiz (answers at the end)

1. Name two hazardous wastes found in a workshop.
2. What does "segregate waste" mean?
3. How can food waste be managed at school?
4. Who should you contact about hazardous waste in your county?

Answers

1. Examples: paint, solvents, batteries, used oil, e-waste.
2. To separate different kinds of waste (e.g., organic, recyclable, hazardous) into different bins.
3. Make a compost bin or use it in a school garden.
4. County government waste office or National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).