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RECYCLING OF SCRAP IRON AND STEEL IN NIGERIA |
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Nigeria is blessed with abundant iron ores and raw materials for steel production. However, the steel industry today largely depends on scrap iron and steel from households, workshops and other sites to produce new steel. Recycling, which refers to converting wastes into reusable products, is one of the major ways in which the steel industry has been sustained. In most parts of the country, notably at Alaba Rago in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, discarded objects such as pieces of iron, condemned Iron or aluminum vessels/pots are evacuated from households by Scavengers. Some of these bent irons are straightened and sold for those that want to do minor repairs that do not require new ones. Majority of the scrap iron are loaded into trucks and supplied to steel mills. These steel mills melt the scrap irons and use it to produce new iron rods, steel and pipes. Alongside scrap iron, aluminum and copper are also gathered by the Scavengers although the copper have to be sent to Benin Republic for recycling due to the absence of a Copper Mill in the country. Scrap iron and steel recycling has helped to curb one of the major environmental problems in Nigeria which is waste management. The management of Solid waste has been a problem in the country as most of these wastes were usually disposed poorly thus resulting in obstruction of drainage channels, land pollution and water pollution. Recycling of steel and iron saves more energy, helps in the conservation of raw materials and minimizes the rate of emission of greenhouse gas. It encourages the maintenance of a healthier and safer environment. Reference: Vanguard (2016). Alaba Rago: Where aboki turns waste to wealth.June 18th. Available from: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/06/alaba-rago-aboki-turns-waste-wealth/html Ohimain, E. I. (2013). Scrap Iron and Steel Recycling in Nigeria. Greener Journal of Environmental Management and Public Safety. Vol. 2 (1), pp. 001-009. PHOTO CREDIT: Ohimain, E. I. (2013). Scrap Iron and Steel Recycling in Nigeria. Greener Journal of Environmental Management and Public Safety. Vol. 2 (1), pp. 001-009.
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8 Comments
Oh gosh, Sorry for late comment but your picture tells a lot... I'm glad most of the iron and steels are recycled, I can definitely tell it helps alot..:))
Posted 27-06-2016 04:50
Oseluese, I personally believe Nigeria is doing great on making use of scrap iron and steel instead of depending on underground resources. This can save not only money and effort, but also the environment as well there would be less need for clearing the land to search for natural resources. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Posted 27-06-2016 01:04
I'm so glad that scrap iron and steel are being recycled in Nigeria. As a chemistry student, I am required to know extraction of Iron by heart and so I know that waste gases such as Carbon Dioxide is released into the atmosphere during extraction of Iron in the blast furnace. By recycling scrap iron and steel, it would decrease the amount of pollution released and it would also save money. A very good alternative! Thanks for sharing
Posted 25-06-2016 03:18
Thanks for taking time to write this report Oseluese! And it's good to hear steel and iron are well recycled. I also wonder how the system works for other materials or resources as well. Like papers or food. Maybe a follow up next time? :D thanks for sharing!
Posted 24-06-2016 17:41
I am really happy to note that scrap iron and steel are being recycled actively in Nigeria. Good for environment .. Thanks for sharing.
Posted 21-06-2016 20:03
Nigeria is blessed as you said, in every parts of Nigeria no waste iron is found scattered presently especially in Cross River State where every street is green and clean. The recycling company is really trying in Nigeria. Thanks for sharing Mr. Osuluese
Posted 21-06-2016 18:10
are there any possibilities that food there to be contaminated of the iron compound?! how the government or institute there handling that situation? I hope they really have good waste management, especially the factories.
Posted 21-06-2016 16:56
Countries that have excess in materials - in Nigeria's case, iron and steel - should focus on those for reuse in new products (many companies around the world look for reused materials) and also in personal use. Thanks for sharing!
Posted 21-06-2016 12:10