Getting Into The Solid Waste Collection Business

Getting Into The Solid Waste Collection Business

Femi Abolade | April 19, 2017 |

We are professionals and I wouldn't want to stand defining what solid waste is. But we know that it is that waste which is not free flowing. Examples include waste paper, polythene, wood, garbages, glass, rags and so on.

One of the major problem we have in every nook and cranny of the Nation is the issue of waste collection and disposal.

We may talk about Recycling, sometimes later, but for now, I will limit this seminar to solving the problem of waste disposal.

Let me tell you that you are not the only person repulsed by the indiscriminate disposal of refuse everywhere. Members of the public are also not comfortable with this problem. They are waiting for somebody to solve that problem.

They are actually WAITING FOR YOU TO ACT!

What are you supposed to do?
Help them collect it and disposed it of course!

The next question that comes to our minds is how do I fund it. But I tell you that is not the greatest issue. The greatest issue here is getting your customers. Let me tell you that the customers are waiting for you to approach you.


Collection and Disposal of Wastes

How do we get our prospective clients.

This could be done in your locality or some other areas of interest you may have. In doing this you should be ready to give your utmost professionalism in reaching out to people. Remember that you will be dealing with both the literate and the illiterate as well as the educated illiterate.

The first thing after identifying an area or areas is to carry out an enumeration of houses and shops. While carrying out enumeration, it is advisable to inform the Environmental health Officer covering that locality so as to achieve positive results. It's not compulsory but it will surely help.

Do not go alone while carrying out enumeration. Ensure you go in two or more. But please, don't go alone.

Ensure that you put on your uniform. Remember that you are an Environmental health practitioner, even though you aren't working for the government but in another sense, you are actually working for the government.

While carrying out your enumeration, be open and truthful to your prospective clients as much as possible. Your honesty will win more clients than any form of falsehood.

Print questionnaires that you take along. This projects you as a professional in your field and therefore distinguishes you from quacks.



Now, after getting the number of premises in the area, you ask how do I collect the wastes when I can't afford to buy a vehicle?

That's a very good question.

Don't forget the power of teamwork.

If you can afford to buy a Tokunbo truck or a Nigerian used truck, it is the best. Trucks (Cabstar, tipper lorry or MAN diesel engine) ranges between #1mill to #5mill.

Other things you need are nets to cover the refuse after collection, rakes, brooms, boots and handgloves.

Few people can also come together to buy this truck and make a contractual agreement on how to manage it and share proceeds

For those who may not be able to do the above, there is another way out.
That is called LEASING.
Leasing involves renting the truck for the exact number of days it is needed. This means that you can rent a truck and pay for it only for the time it's being used.

For example, you can rent the truck for only tuesdays in the week ie every Tuesday.

Now let's do a small maths here.
In Abeokuta for example, a Cabstar goes out for between 8,000 and 10,000. Sometimes less.

If you have about 100 houses that subscribes to your services at at least #1,000/house/month,(this should be the least charge, it can be higher depending on the area and type of premises), that gives you #100,000.

For this kind of arrangement, you collect waste twice a week.

Expenses incurred are
Truck   #18,000
Driver  #6,000
Waste collectors(2) #8,000
Diesel  #25,000
Total   #57,000

This is a very rough estimate. When the business really commences more will be cut off from the expenses.

I don't think starting with a profit margin of about #30,000 - #40,000 in Nigeria today is a bad thing

Also, you may be very lucky to get some special premises as well. Such include hotels, schools, hostels, hospitals, eateries, banks, as well as other commercial centres. For these places, their charges begin from #5,000 and above.

You can see that with dedication, perseverance and patience, it is possible to be self-sustained in environmental health.

Any question, comment, contribution or even criticism are welcome.

Thank you.



Femi Abolade is a Licensed EHO, Writer, Author and Public Speaker.
Whatsapp +234 807 427 5257
femibolade12@gmail.com