Solid Waste Management and Recycling

TRADE AND RECYCLING OF URBAN INORGANIC SOLID WASTE IN NAIROBI 177

Recycling processes in Chandaria
Chandaria produces items like toilet paper, serviettes, table napkins and kitchen rolls
from waste paper. The factory uses about 24 tons of paper per day. Its sister company
Madhupaper uses 20 tons per day. White virgin paper pulp, which is imported at Ksh.
25 per kg, is used at a daily rate of 24 tons, and waste paper is used at the rate of 20
tons daily. The factory ensures minimal generation of wastewater by not using fresh
water for pulping. The production process also requires the use of some chemical and
organic dyes. Caustic soda is the main cleaning agent used. Stagnation of water is
avoided in order to keep germicides to a minimum. A large bale of tissue paper
containing about 40 rolls wholesales at Ksh. 356.50 (US$ 5) inclusive of VAT. Retail
prices range between Ksh. 9-12 per roll depending on the type of outlet with super-
markets offering lower prices than dukas and kiosks.

Employees, payment and working conditions
Chandaria has about 700 employees, a high proportion of which are casual. The
lowest wage paid is Ksh. 180 (US$ 2.3) per day for casuals and Ksh. 2,000 (US$ 25)
per month for permanent staff. Permanent employees are provided with other benefits
like medical cover. Manual labourers and machine operators are provided with protec-
tive gear like dust coats, masks, rubber boots and milk for those coming in close
contact with chemicals to help neutralise the chemical fumes that may have been
inhaled. The company also has health and compensation insurance in case of injuries
suffered in the course of work. Permanent workers have a more regular medical cover
in accordance with their work and salary grades.

Capital and current expenditures for Chandaria are high. Machines and other capital
equipment are imported and require careful maintenance in order to ensure optimal
daily capacity. Chandaria recently took to the importation of waste materials from

Figure 8.3. Chain for the recovery and recycling of paper in Nairobi

Generator - HHs,

bottlers Dumpsites

Waste

pickers

Itinerant

buyers

Dealer

Large-scale

recycling unit -

CGI